By Derek Schlennstedt
As part of an expedition run by World Challenge, nine Upwey High School students will spend an entire month living in remote Nepal.
While on the trip, teachers will take a hands-off approach and all the decision-making will be entirely left to the students.
The expedition will test the students both mentally and physically, with students even embarking on a 200km hike through the Annapurna Sanctuary, which sits at 4130 metres above sea level.
They will also be helping local communities who are still recovering from the devastating earthquake that hit the region in 2015.
Part of that volunteer experience will be at Pokhara, an isolated township where they will teach English to Nepalese students and help restore the school grounds.
Courtney Watson-Andrews is taking part in the expedition, and despite having never travelled to a third world country is excited to learn about Nepalese culture.
“I suppose it will change the way I see the world.“
“Seeing how people over there deal with very real third-world issues, I’m sure it will change the way I view my life,” Courtney said .
“It will be good to hang out with the kids there and learn about their culture.”
“I know it’s going to be really challenging, but I’m pretty excited.”
World Challenge sends teenagers to developing countries to learn new skills and broaden their knowledge.
As part of the expedition, students are required to raise funds to cover their expenses.
To raise money, students are holding an event at Knox TunzaFun Xtreme, on Friday 16 June.
For $25, visitors are given unlimited access to the activities and games which include a rock climbing wall and a ropes course.
In keeping with the country theme, there will also be Nepalese cuisine.
“To go to Nepal isn’t exactly cheap, so we have to do a bit of fund-raising to get over there.”
“TunzaFun has kindly let us use the premises.”
“There will be dodgem cars, Nepalese food, and a silent auction to suit all ages,” Courtney said.
The fund-raising event will be held at Knox TunzaFun Xtreme on Friday 16 June, between 6pm and 10pm.
