Why Take A Gap Year?

My name is Michelle Johnstone, and I'm currently raising money for my Gap Year with Lattitude August 2010-August 2011! I'm in year 13 at St. Alban's Catholic High School, studying English Literature, History and German. I decided to go on a Gap Year about a year ago, and I knew straight away that I wanted to go somewhere far away and in need, so I could make a difference! I wanted a year out between finishing my A-levels and going to University, to see the world and help in places where it's needed. It took me quite a while to find the right organisation to go away with; most charities only did a few months away at a time and as I wanted to go away for a full twelve months, Lattitude seemed to answer all my prayers!

Who are Lattitude?

Lattitude provide 17 countries wourldwide in which to volunteer in. They have been sending volunteers overseas for 35 years, and are 'THE Gap Year Volunteering Charity!' I chose to go away with this particular charity as they offer a wide range of placements and they have activities to suit everybody. As I will be living away for a year, I will be able to fully immerse myself within a completely different culture. I will be able to gain life experience and due to the lack of resources I will be subject to, I will have to use my initiative and be creative!

So, what will I be doing?

I will be leaving in August 2010 and travelling to Vietnam. I will be placed in Hung Yen University for Teachers Training in Khoai Chau. I will be appointed as an English Teaching Assistant and will teach future teachers for 20 hours a week,  concentrating on the skills of listening and speaking.  My classes will consist of approximately 40/50 students. Luckily, I'll be given considerable independence in the organisation of my lessons.  I'll be living on campus in a guest house supplied for visiting teachers.

In the January of 2011, having finished my 4 months in Vietnam, I will travel to Malawi, Africa, for the following 6 months. I will be teaching in a primary school where the children range from ages 4-17, as the schooling system is very different over there. I will be placed in a house with no water or electricity and I will be a 6 hour bus journey away from the nearest city! In this project, I hope to start up a kids group, where all the children from my village and surrounding villages can come to meet for sing-alongs, dancing and games.

Fundraising

In order to go on this amazing year away, I must raise £4,000. This page is just one way of raising the funds; I have been doing car-washing, cake sales, refreshment evenings at my school, table top sales and raffles. My school is kindly supporting me with non-uniform days and donations. I am currently in the process of organising a fundraiser for early next year at a venue in Ipswich town, which will be a night of music and dancing.

Please help me to reach my target! NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!!!

Thankyou for all your support and generosity :)

Michelle xxx

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