I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a real difference to communities in Africa during the summer of 2016 and I am asking for your help to make it happen.
Hi, my name is Natasha. I am a 15-year-old student at Heanor Gate Science College.
About the project
Our school is planning an expedition to Zambia & Botswana which will allow me to travel, take on a challenge and interact with the culture, communities and environments of other countries whilst exploring somewhere new,
It’s exciting, it’s educational, it’s rewarding and it’s real.
An expedition is not a holiday or your average school trip. On an Outlook expedition, the participants are in the driving seat. With support from the Leader Team, it is the participants who will need to take on roles within the team and work together to ensure the best decisions are made.
The Community Work
I will be working with the Mwandi Community Building Project to help improve the lives of the people in this area. The project was set up by Dan, who grew up in Mwandi, and his wife Paula who now both live and work to better the lives of the poorest in their community. They are part of the United Church of Zambia, as Mission Partners, and are a registered Charity in Zambia. They work with the local community to construct traditional mud houses for the elderly, vulnerable and families who are taking care of the AIDS orphans in the community.
I will have the opportunity to help build one of these houses from start to finish (except the roof - health and safety won't allow) - Contributing to a local project is a fantastic way to give a little back to this country and a great way to get to know the people and culture of the region!
Equipment
I plan to leave any equipment that is usable by the people of the local community behind so they can benefit beyond my stay with them. Any equipment I return with will then be donated to local charities in the UK.
Can you help?
I am asking for sponsors to help me raise the £4,000 (for the expedition cost and equipment required) I need to make this dream a reality. I will also be undertaking other fund raising projects or jobs between now and summer 2016 and I am open to any suggestions you may have to help me reach my target.
Thank you very much for your interest and support.
The expedition is Organised by Outlook Expeditions - www.outlookexpeditions.com
"Taking young people on expeditions allows them to experience so many different aspects of life that they could never learn in a classroom, by reading a book or watching TV. The traditions, smells, people, food, culture, even the toilets all make a trip memorable. The young people are challenged in so many ways throughout the expedition, the skills they learn are ones they will never forget & will continue to develop."
David Jones, Expedition Leader