Hi,
My name is Lewis and I’m really passionate about making a positive contribution in the lives of others.
My Plan!
I have recently finished university and hope to graduate in July. For the last two summers I have been a counsellor in the United States, working with a number of young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. This summer, I want to work with a not-for-profit organisation that is making a real difference in the lives of under-privileged communities, seeking to eliminate poverty and protect the environment. I believe I have found this in the programme run by Raleigh International (formerly Operation Raleigh) in partnership with Nourish Eco Village. More of that in a minute.
Why?
Well, I entered the care system aged four and was placed in my adoptive family aged six. I don’t say this to get your sympathy, but rather to help you understand what is motivating me to pay something back. So many people have put their faith in me and given me some amazing opportunities and I really want to do the same for those less fortunate than me.
Where you come in..
I can’t make this commitment without your support. I would love you to work with me in order to make this opportunity possible. Options include
• Taking part in some of the fundraising activities I’m planning over the summer
• Taking advantage of some of the services I’ll be offering to raise funds (see below)
• Digging through cupboards and your garage to find objects and articles I could sell to raise cash
• And, of course, contributing directly to this crowdfunding page
I’m delighted to say that family members have already contributed the cost of my flight and I have already secured a job for the summer. However, I need to raise a further £5,000 to cover the cost of my trip, ideally by the end of August.
Services I can provide include grass-cutting, car washing, dog-walking, jet washing and any other suggestion (within reason!). I am suggesting a donation of £10 per hour for these. Please click here to see more details and book a slot.
Any questions, please e-mail me at [email protected]
The Trip!
Raleigh International is a well-known programme with a long track record of combining adventure and community service to help develop personal growth and make a positive impact in various ways. There are three main phases to the expedition I would like to participate in:
1. An Environmental Project which involves protecting and maintaining wildlife and their habitats in the Greater Kruger area through ecological restoration and management. The exact details are being finalised but typically this includes the removal of alien and invasive species, snare sweeps, fence line removal, erosion control and road clearing. This will be a significant contribution to the restoration of a thriving habitat.
2. A Community-led project focused on finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment. This is done in partnership with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day will involve work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure. I will be engaging with local community members and children, gaining an appreciation for the local culture and learning some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).
3. The final phase of the programme is a personal challenge – a self-sustained trek through the Drakensberg. This is designed to help assist with development of leadership, teamwork, resilience and endurance. I will hike as part of a group approximately 200km across parts of the Northern Drakensburg.
All three phases have to be achieved without access to a mobile phone (possibly the biggest challenge I'll face personally!!) It does mean a new approach without google translate to fall back on.
What I hope to learn...
By participating in the Raleigh programme, I will be working with a group from diverse backgrounds as well as the local community so the ability to learn to work together effectively will be an important part of the challenge for me.
Learning to tackle environmental and social challenges together should also help the team to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by others globally and the ways in which I can contribute (or adapt my own behaviour) to help alleviate them.
While I am personally committed to making a difference through this programme, I require financial assistance to help with the costs of participation. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
