About

Aegis student across the UK are Fasting for CAR, with University of Nottingham students fasting the week beginning the 23rd March. For those who know me well, they will know how much I use my phone so for my week of fasting I am giving up my apple devices - my iPhone and iPad. I will also be avoiding social media with the exception of Facebook which I need for group projects within my degree. This is a really important cause which I feel strongly about and I would really appreciate any sponsorship you could give towards me Fasting for CAR. I am fundraising through Givey as they guarantee 100% of money fundraised goes to the charity and no commission is taken. Below is a bit more information about the cause and the website. Who we are: Action for CAR is an international, youth-led campaign supported by the Aegis Trust and STAND www.actionforcar.org The Problem: Following a violent coup d'etat in March 2013, tensions in the Central African Republic (CAR) have run high. Though the roots of the conflict are not religious, recent violence has increased divisions between Muslims and Christian communities and militia attacks have forced thousands to flee their communities and the country. A large majority of these displaced people are Muslim and 80% are women and children. United Nation Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, has warned that the "widespread and systematic targeting of civilians based on their religion or ethnicity indicated that crimes against humanity are being committed and that the risk of genocide remains high." Elections are scheduled to take place in CAR this summer. If significant movement towards political inclusion and inter-communal reconciliation have not been made by the time these elections arrive, there is a high possibility of genocide and mass atrocities that, once started, will be difficult to stop. Our solution: We believe that young people all over the world can be a powerful source for social change. Young people in the Central African Republic have the potential to build the foundations for sustainable peace in their country and Action for CAR is working to help them achieve this. Over the past few years, Aegis Trust has run peace education programmes in Rwanda that train Rwandan youth to confront the beliefs and prejudices that can lead to genocide. Our aim is to bring these trained Rwandan youth leaders to the Central African Republic, to share this training and experience with young Central Africans. With the support of their Rwandan counterparts and the Action for CAR campaign, these young Central Africans will then develop and implement peace and business projects in their home communities that confront identity-based tensions whilst boosting local economies. How will your money help? By donating to Action for CAR, you will support the Aegis' International Youth Department, contribute to the costs of our peacebuilding and diversity trainings in CAR, and help provide the seed money needed to kick start the peace and business projects developed by young Central Africans.