Im going to travel to Nicaragua as soon as I’ve finished my GCSEs in the summer of 2013. This was a difficult decision to make as it would mean that my first summer of freedom would be spent upholding expectations and responsibility. Despite this, I knew that I wanted to make a significant difference to people’s lives and to have an effect on a project concerning something besides me.

 

The expedition itself involves living with a local family in a small village for just under a month. Each family that we will be staying with have been personally affected by the consequences of poor sanitation leading to illness. The effect that this must have on people is unimaginable; in fact 1 in 5 do not have access to safe water supplies. This is why a team from North London Collegiate School alongside Operation Raleigh have decided that a worthy use of our time out there would be to build an entire sanitation system complete with toilets. This would not only prevent potentially fatal diseases but would help to maintain a sustainable way of living for the future generations yet to come.

 

The project itself is run by Operation Raleigh. None of the money raised here will go towards my flights, injections, visa, equipment or anything that will benefit me personally as I am lucky enough to have a family that have agreed to support me by funding this aspect of the trip. 76% of the total cost is what I need to raise myself, and the total amount that I need to fundraise to even participate is £2400. So far I have raised just under £1000 but I still need more in order to achieve my goal – if I do not reach it then I cannot go at all.

 

This is why I am asking for your help, not only to allow me to take part in this opportunity that I am lucky enough to have been offered, but also to help the children of Nicaragua both now and in the future. Every penny will genuinely make a difference, and that is why I would appreciate your support. Please feel free to visit the website for anymore information (www.raleighinternational.org) if you require any more information, and don’t ever underestimate the difference that you can make. Thank you very much for your time and donations.