By AARON PEREIRA
AS THE year-12 exams draw closer, there is something else on Cranbourne student Amanda Carron’s mind… a humanitarian trip to Uganda.
The 18-year-old will join 13 other students on a three-week journey to Uganda where they will build houses for those in need and get involved in the local community as part of a ‘Schoolies Revolution’.
The program aims to create a celebration which is non-destructive and can benefit those who are less fortunate.
“It will be good to hopefully change other people’s lives, even in a small way” explains Amanda.
“I’d love to make a difference, even just put a smile on someone’s face”.
Although Amanda is busy studying for her final exams, she is looking forward to her Africa trip as a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Not that I am not stressing, far from it, but I look at it (the trip) as a reward for effort”.
The Maranatha Christian College School Captain also does volunteer work and has attended a young leaders program in Canberra, adding to her list of philanthropic duties.
The community rallied around Amanda’s cause, raising well over $3000 for her impending trip at a fundraising dinner with more donations flowing in.
Working closely with orphans and widows, ‘Schoolies Revolution’ aims to create self-sufficient communities and help reduce poverty in the third world nation.
Uganda has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the world and living conditions will be confronting according to group co-ordinator Joel Poppenbeck.
“The students will be exposed to reality that one-in-six people live in poverty, and they actually get to do something about it.
“It is really powerful to see the students rise to the challenge, and Amanda will hopefully gain a sense of her influence and make a difference”.
It’s not all work and no play as the students will also be given a chance to tour the nation, go on a safari tour, practice white water rafting and shop in the city’s capital, Kampala.
“We have to remember that these kids have gone through 13 years of school, they deserve to celebrate too”.
For more information on Schoolies Revolution, go to www.schooliesrevolution.com.
