Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

My name is Ben Russell.  I'm in my final year of high school, studying English, International Relations, Philosophy, Psychology and History.  I'm in the process of applying to University where I wish to study Anthropology and International Relations.

Project Trust is a gap year organisation that selects, trains and sends 17, 18 and 19 year olds to one of 26 different countries in Asia, Central and South America, or Africa.  The organisation is based on the Isle of Coll in the Scottish Hebrides and final year High School students who are interested in partaking in such a gap year visit the island for a four day selection course.  Following the course, selected volunteers are chosen to go to one of three countries of their choice.  Whilst in the country, volunteers get the opportunity to live in a completely new community and experience a completely different culture, whilst carrying out a project that helps that community.

I travelled to the Isle of Coll and took part in the selection course, where I was selected to go to Uganda for 8 months, leaving in January 2010.  Whilst in Uganda, I will be teaching a range of subjects at a Primary School in a remote and rural part of the country.  I may be helping in an orphanage, working with disabled children, or starting up extra-curricular clubs as a secondary project.  I hope that this experience will benefit the entire community as well as myself.

Uganda is in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zaire and Sudan.  Straddling the equator, the country itself is very lush and green.  The country has many problems such as a high incidence of HIV/AIDS, political unrest in the north and east, and rebels on the Rwandan border, but an optimistic and pragmatic approach has put Uganda and its leaders in a favourable light to the outside world.

Before I can go to Uganda, I have to raise £4,060, and any donation, large or small, would be greatly appreciated.  All donations will go directly to Project Trust and help me reach my goal.

I'll be competing in a 10km race on the 19th April so if you would like to sponsor me I'd be thrilled.  Either sponsor me on this page and the money will go directly to Project Trust, see/email me, or alternatively, send a cheque payable to Project Trust to the below address:

The Hebridean Centre,
Isle of Coll,
Argyll,
PA78 6TE
UK

If you have any questions concerning the project then please don't hesitate to email me at kohn_05@hotmail.co.uk.

If you would like to learn more about Project Trust then go to http://www.projecttrust.org.uk

Payments through Justgiving are really easy to make and totally secure. Justgiving also makes sure that 25% in gift aid as well as a 3% supplement are added to your donation if you're a UK taxpayer.

Thankyou for helping me.

Yours,

Ben