Hi there! My name is Tessa and I’m a 17 year old student from the UK.

This summer, I am fortunate enough to be joining a 7 week volunteering scheme in Nepal with Raleigh International, consisting of two community projects and a 19-day trek. As a team of volunteers, we’ll be working with and living within the communities in the remote regions of Gorkha and Makwanpur - areas devastated by the 2015 earthquake. Due to the country’s surprisingly high levels of inequality and poverty, it was poor and isolated communities like these which suffered the most.

Raleigh is an incredible sustainable development charity, which works closely with local NGO’s and communities to improve health & hygiene, gender equality, local governance and environmental awareness. (check it out- https://raleighinternational.org/ !!)

Alongside the WASH project, we’ll assist the repair of sanitation systems and homes to help those who remain vulnerable to waterborne disease, famine and the effects of Nepal's extreme climate. Additionally, the project will work with both young & old, to advocate the use of local resources sustainably, and to educate young people and women to develop their livelihoods and businesses.

However, I will be unable to participate in the Raleigh expedition without the support of others. I leave in late June, so have only a few weeks left to raise funds for the project! All money raised is forwarded to the charity to help fund the work we will do. Also - to clarify- this trip is FAR from a holiday. There will be challenges and maybe a few (literal) mountains to climb, but I’m excited to get out there and make some positive change! So far, I have been fundraising by making/selling online, working etc., but I hope to raise a further £400 for the project. I am so grateful for any contribution, and I can assure you it’s all for a good cause!

Thank you ! Tessa :D