A Hartismere School pupil has appealed to the community for donations to help fundraise for a four-week expedition to Ecuador.
Esther Burridge, of Low Street, Oakley, will take part in the month-long trip in July 2017 to carry out community development with award-winning volunteering firm Camps International.
I really love travelling and it is not a country I would think to go to, and I thought it would be a really good experience
Esther Burridge
It is hoped the trip will help raise the educational standards of developing communities within a rural district of the country, raise the living standards, and assist with ongoing wildlife conservation programmes.
And while the 15-year-old has begun to fundraise — she has so far generated £400 through a sponsored walk and bag packing — she must find a further £3,600 to be able to take part in the expedition.
And while she says she is unsure what to do for a future career, Miss Burridge said it could be vital experience as she hopes to one day work abroad.
“I really love travelling and it is not a country I would think to go to, and I thought it would be a really good experience,” she told the Diss Express.
“I will be doing something I would not normally do.
“We will be helping to rebuild schools and we are doing some work in the rainforest like replanting trees and helping to build that back up.
“It’s about doing something physically, being able to say I helped in planting those trees, by building that school, and we will see the people we are helping, rather than just giving a bit of money.
“I would like to do something in another country one day. I want to travel as much as I can to see lots and lots of different cultures.”
While lots of work will be involved, it will also give the 30 or so volunteers in the group to take part in other rare activities.
“We are doing five days of scuba diving while we are there. I am quite nervous about it, but I think it will be quite fun.”
Businesses are also being given the chance to have their logo printed on her Camps International t-shirt which Miss Burridge will wear during her four-week stay in South America.
Miss Burridge added that she was organising and participating in a number of fundraising events in the local community.
To sponsor Esther for her Ecuador adventure email her at esther.burridge@hotmail.co.uk