Charity harnesses students' community spirit

This summer, Mosqoy, a grassroots Canadian charity founded by UVic alumna Ashli Akins in 2006, is bringing students and staff together from all over UVic in order to make a difference.

Mosqoy and its sister NGO, the Q'ente Textile Revitalization Society, have enlisted the services of four co-op students, one teacher, and a dedicated pack of student volunteers in bringing their unique skills and experience to the challenging issue of global education.

Mosqoy and Q’ente work with Indigenous peoples in Peru’s Andean region, providing educational opportunities and working with local weaving communities to help revitalize their culture and economic conditions.

Both groups have hosted a steady slew of community events in order to raise awareness of their activities and provide support for their mission. Their last monthly “Story Slam,” for instance, took place at Victoria restaurant Cabin 12 on July 7. The event involved participants telling short, unscripted stories (the theme of the night was “Getting Busted”), in order to win prizes and create a community-friendly atmosphere. It was organized and orchestrated by a number of the new members, including students from such varied backgrounds as anthropology, business, political science and theatre.

Carlynn Ferguson-King, anthropology co-op student and Mosqoy’s global education coordinator, describes her experience with the organization as “unique and uplifting. I get really excited about Story Slam in particular,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to get involved with what we’re doing. It’s also been great to work with the other students, and see how many unique skills different academic fields provide.”

Mosqoy and Q’ente’s next Story Slam event will take place on August 4 at Cabin 12 (607 Pandora Ave). Doors open at 7 p.m., and admission is $5. The theme for the event is “Seduction: Stories of Attraction.” Proceeds will go to supporting the organizations and their work in the developing world.

More information on Mosqoy and Q’ente: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mosqoy and http://www.facebook.com/#!/qentesociety

More information on Story Slam: http://www.facebook.com/mosqoy#!/event.php?eid=224824787555285