In June 2017 myself and 20 other people my age will travel to the remote Inthanon Mountains in Northern Thailand where we will spend three weeks providing a clean source of running water for the residents of a Karen Village. For those who don't know, Gordonstoun has had a 30 year long partnership with the Pakanyor Foundation, which helps Karen people who have been exiled from Burma. The project is both physically and mentally challenging, as we have to dig a ditch from the water source to the village and hand mix cement in the humidity amongst many other tasks. It will also be difficult to witness first hand how people less fortunate than ourselves are forced to live, however, I am sure it will be one of the most rewarding things I will ever do, as we are actually making a direct difference which will benefit the villagers for years.
As well as providing water, we will also be staying in the village and living amongst the people. I am so excited to have been accepted, as it is a highly competitive project which I have wanted to take part in for years. Part of being accepted is that the £2200 has to be fundraised and worked for ourselves and any money donated will go directly to materials and tools for the building process.
Any kind donation, no matter the size, will be gratefully appreciated, not just by me, but by the current and future villagers whose lives we will change forever. Thank you.