The Pavers Foundation has donated £1,200 towards the Vale of Leven Academy’s Educational Expedition to Vietnam. This follows a grant application from Lynsey Mitchell, Store Manager at Pavers in Antartex.
This donation has enabled Lynsey’s daughter, Alannah to accept a place on the exchange in June 2020 where she will spend 16 days working for Peace for Vietnam, a non-for-profit organisation who spend time supporting small communities within the Sapa Valley.
Volunteers For Peace Vietnam (VPV) was founded in 2005 with the aim of promoting volunteering as a means of cultural and educational exchange, for peace and friendship, and as an approach to address social problems.
“This expedition presents a tremendous opportunity for the young people to develop leadership and organisational skills by planning and fundraising for the expedition.”
Lyn Fitzpatrick, Vale of Leven Academy
The young people were selected for the expedition through an interview process during which they had to demonstrate a clear commitment to the volunteering and fitness elements of the trip as well as having concrete ideas for fundraising.
In order to attend this trip, each student is required to fundraise the cost of £3,500 themselves. Alannah’s has impressed everyone with her will and determination to fundraise the money. She has already completed a sponsored abseil, a school bake sale and a Christmas raffle. Alannah also helped to plan and organise team fundraising events including a school ceilidh and bag packing. The Pavers Foundation felt that Alannah had clearly demonstrated how much this trip means to her and wanted to support her to the finish line.
“We are very grateful to the Pavers Foundation as this has been an individually self funded trip and this donation will pay the last instalment Alannah is due to make. ” - Lynsey
Lynsey Mitchell, Pavers in Antartex
Alannah will be doing some or all of the following kinds of work:
- Repairing village walkways
- Fencing
- Teaching English to children
- Paint and decorating
- Garden creation at orphanage
- Building work at a school or community building
Alannah will take part in a trek through a rural region, experiencing its sights and sounds, and be immersed in a culture which is completely different to her own. The expedition isn’t all work and no play however! Alannah will also get the chance to do some sightseeing and to reflect on what will surely be a memorable and life enhancing experience.
“This trip will hopefully foster in our students a greater understanding of the challenges and realities facing these communities and a realisation of their own good fortune.”
Lyn Fitzpatrick, Vale of Level Academy
Well done Alannah, we hope you have a fantastic time!
To find out more, please visit http://www.vpv.vn/
