World Challenge India 2017 - Euan McClenaghan

My name is Euan, Im 16 and attend Bearsden Academy. I am aiming to raise money for my World Challenge trip to India in 2017, which will last for a duration of 4 weeks. The purpose of this trip is to volunteer in the densely populated Rajasthan (the largest state in India). I am already very experienced in the field of volunteering having worked in several charity shops over the past 2 years. However, I feel this is not enough, and feel I need to see what its like with my very own eyes in an area of need in a country so far removed from my own. This volunteering work will require me to help contribute, improve, and help the local communities. Renovating school facilities; building additional school classrooms, teacher housing, dormitories and toilet blocks; establishing a clean water supply; designing playgrounds; planting vegetable gardens; mending and putting up fencing; building traditional housing for vulnerable members of the community; working alongside rangers to build camps to launch anti-poaching patrols; carrying out maintenance on pathways, signage and facilities; turtle egg beach patrols; tree planting and reforestation are some of the many tasks I will be working towards during my stay. I am very eager to travel to Rajasthan and help others in desperate need. The idea of me being able to improve their lives really makes me want to take hold of this valuable opportunity. I'm at a young age were I dont yet fully appreciate everything I have and am able to do. Going on this trip will be a challenge to me but not as challenging to those who deal with poverty and deprivation on a daily basis. Last year, my Mum toured India with work, and visited the cities of Mumbai and Chennai and was overwhelmed by the kindness and friendliness of the Indian people. There is a huge divide between the rich and poor people and hopefully i can contribute to helping those in need. It was very upsetting seeing children living on the streets in appalling conditions with no hope of education or a positive future. The money I require to go on this trip will cover my flights, food, accomodation, mode of travel, healthcare and insurance. The total sum is £3,580. I will be paying a large sum of the money by fundraising through the Scottish Challenger run, a sponsored abseil on Titan crane (Clydebank) and bagpacking at local supermarkets. I already have a monthly job which requires me to deliver 600 magazines (called the Community Magazine) to houses within my town. I will hopefully be successful in applying for a part-time summer job next year once my exams are over. I'm hoping with your contribution, I will be able to undertake this huge challenge which will definitely be a life changing and humbling experience. The process is very simple. All you need to do is purchase products you are wanting through the easy fundraising website and the company will donate a percentage of the price towards my fund. So it costs absolutely nothing!