Hola amigos and amigas,

After 3 years I am leaving Just Focus and the Global Education Centre.

My next adventure takes me to Mexico and Central America. I have wanted to go to that part of the world for years and now I am doing it! I plan to do some travelling, meet a whole lot of people and learn about the cultures and the political situations in the region. I hope to stop off and volunteer along the way and share (two-way) some knowledge and skills. It’s also a chance for me to brush up on my Spanish and get a bit of sun (remember that?!).

The last three years working with Just Focus and GEC has been a brilliant experience. I have learnt heaps about global and development issues, worked on websites and projects and done a decent amount of travel. Highlights include Just Focus camp in Wainuiomata (someone kill Crazy Frog), the Pacific Youth Festival in Tahiti (so many people, so little sleep), Media that Matters events in Christchurch and Wellington, workshops and meetings in schools, halls and cafes and watching the Just Focus network grow from 7 people and no website to about 180 members, regional groups and the impressive website we have today! The best bit by far has been connecting up with all the fantastic, inspiring, on-to-it people.

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed. I hear about the most recent atrocities in Iraq, China, Australia, West Papua and here in Aotearoa (to name a few); the damage we are doing to our planet and people; the increasing disparity between rich and poor; and the commercialisation and objectification that occurs in popular culture. I work damn hard to make a difference and sometimes I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. I feel like giving up, selling out, and just living for myself and for now. Well hey, haven’t we all felt like that?

The truth is I couldn’t do it. It would break my heart. I would lose my focus, and my faith. Because really, doing what I do makes me happy. And when I meet, or hear about an amazing person or community, making a stand and taking a step forward, I draw strength, inspiration and hope. Because the truth is there are millions of us out there.

It has honestly been a privilege to meet and work with so many of you and I look forward to seeing you in the future. If you want to keep in touch, send me an email before the 3 August eva@globaled.org.nz and I will flick you my personal email. I leave Just Focus in the capable and stylishly manicured hands of you all around the country, Jennie and Tessa at the national office, and Chancey in Christchurch, Laura in Auckland and Will in Wellington.

So thank you, thank you, thank you, and hasta luego!!!

Mucha aroha,
Eva