I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and the amazing adventure that I am going on next year. My name is Megan Hillas-Smith, I am a student in Year 10 at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells.

In July 2018, I am participating in a 21day expedition to Cambodia and Vietnam with 9 other students, 2 adults and an experienced guide. While in Vietnam my group will be volunteering in a remote village project around Hanoi organised by Volunteers for Peace Vietnam Community Project. Projects can range from making gardens at the local orphanage to building schools, painting and decorating and teaching English. We will also be trekking in some fairly remote jungle and we will stay in mountain lodges, hostels and homestays with local families.

One of the greatest challenges of going on an expedition such as this is raising the funds. To date I have been making and selling cards which I have sold at school events. Over the Easter holiday I held a quiz night at a local pub which was very well attended and have also received a £100 donation from the Paddock Wood Lioness Club of which I am very grateful. During the summer, I am going to do a sponsored cycle ride with two of my friends who are also going on the expedition. To date I have raised £751 towards the total cost of £3,800. I am very determined that I should raise as much of this money as possible.

This is a really unique expedition, challenging from start to finish; we will complete a demanding trek, work on community and environmental projects and manage and lead the expedition ourselves. I am sure that the skills we develop and the experiences we gain will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Please donate thank you.