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Ōrewa College students are asking Coasties for help as they raise funds for an expedition to Nepal in 2026 as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
The trip will see students volunteering at Himalayan Trust Schools and trekking in the Solu Khumbu region near Mt Everest
While school-led fundraising efforts will help towards the per person $9500 cost of the trip, the students also have to raise money themselves. However, in the current economic environment, students like Meg Anderson, Bhavitha Kotra, and Oscar Haage are struggling to find work, so they are reaching out to the Coast community for any opportunities that may be on offer such as babysitting, tutoring, hospitality, or in retail.
Meg Anderson says the Nepal trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she doesn’t want to miss. However, as she and her twin sister are both going, it isn’t possible for her parents to pay for both of them, she says.
“Without a job, we simply won’t be able to afford it, so earning my own money is the only way to make this amazing opportunity possible. It will teach me not only about diverse cultures but also about important tramping and safety skills.”
Meg has advanced first aid and babysitting qualifications, as well as her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. “I’m confident in babysitting, tutoring primary to Year 8 students, waitressing, working with customers, and even cleaning. I’m prepared to work hard and take responsibility in any role I’m given.”
Bhavitha Kotra says he wants to experience the culture of Nepal and see what a difference they can make in a country where many people are not as fortunate as we are.
“I also want to see the amazing landscapes there.”
Although Bhavitha’s family can support him a little, he says he needs a job to raise money for the rest of the funding. He says he is prepared to work hard and has excellent communication and numeracy skills
Oscar Haage wants to see a new part of the world that is very different and to broaden his experience. He is looking forward to Service Activity in a Himalayan Trust school so he can meet other students there, he says.
“My parents have said that I need to get a job and save up if I want to go. I think that is fair as it is something that I really want to do and they can’t afford to pay for me.”
“I have good tech skills, am good at Maths, and have good communication skills. I will take any opportunity for work in the Silverdale/ Ōrewa area. I know I will prove myself to be a good employee if someone gives me a chance.”
Anyone who can assist these students and other students, please contact Bruce Hawke b.hawke@orewacollege.nz
