Posted: 07/12/10
Students' rainforest mission
Warmer climes are on the horizon for A Level students at West Nottinghamshire College, who are set to begin fundraising for a summer rainforest conservation mission.
Lee Smith (17), Jessica Kyle (19), Sam Wilson (18) and Connie Clare (20) will be visiting the Honduras in July 2011 as part of Operation Wallacea – a series of biological and conservation management research programmes that operate in remote locations across the world.
The group will embark on the rainforest volunteering project with specific wildlife conservation aims in mind. They will have the chance to work with large teams of university academics who are specialists in various aspects of biodiversity or social and economic studies.
The students, who are funding the research mission themselves, launch their fundraising drive on Monday (13 December) with a sponsored stationary bike ride at Fitness First, Mansfield, which will see them each pedalling 70 miles for sponsorship.
Lee, who is studying A levels in government and politics, business studies and IT, said: “We’re intending to raise £2,000 each to self-fund our trip to the Honduras. The visit will be important for us in so many ways.
“We hope that during our stay and conservation studies we can assist local communities, who are providing us with accommodation, food and transport, and help build up the area’s economy.”
Government and politics tutor Krystina Shah said: “The programmes run by Operation Wallacea provide a safe, professional and insightful opportunity for young people to experience the realities of working in fields linked to their own areas of interest.
“The courses will extend learning, provide international travel and connections, and increase UCAS points for entering university courses by up to 70 points. These students are working hard to broaden their life experience and extend their aspirations for the future.”
