Hi! I’m Sophie and I’m a second year bionatsci with a MASSIVE interest in international development…and what we students can do to really make a difference! Cambridge is a hive of activity when it comes to development issues: whether it be in discussing the philosophies behind them or in actively acting upon the beliefs generated by them. It is my plan to provide a platform for all these activities so that they are more easily accessible to Christ’s students and fellows alike. 

I really hope to get Christ’s more involved campaigns, fundraising events and discussion groups because they are really worth while, not to mention great fun!  Plus they could go on to make a REALLY REALLY big difference, whether it be by providing money to help projects in the third world, putting pressure on government/supranational institutions to make change, or inspiring people with new ideas.

Some of my targets this year are to get people involved in doing the ‘National Three Peaks Challenge’ to raise money for TASK Brazil in April this year, and to support the Fairtrade campaign by getting Christ’s to apply for certified Fairtrade status. I also want to get us talking about development, and questioning conventions and assumptions – that’s the only way we can help to evolve current strategies. So I’ll be organizing meetings every fortnight in which these things, along with more general charities stuff, can be discussed. I will also be trying to get interesting speakers to come in to give us a deeper insight into these topics. Finally, if anyone is interested in doing voluntary work, either here or abroad, I am here to help you find a good placement so that you can have a fantastic experience!

If you would like to contact me you can find me at charities(@thejcr.co.uk)