My expedition to Borneo in July 2015 entailed myself and twenty two other students from Wymondham High School and Sixth Form spending one month in the permanent volunteering camps set up across the island by the organisation Camps International. In order to travel there we all fundraised £4,000 to cover the costs such as travel and food, although our time itself was given on an entirely voluntary basis and we didn't receive any form of pay for the work we did.
Our trip was split into four phases: Community, Wildlife,
Conservation and Adventure. This involved us becoming heavily involved with
the local people; helping to teach in their schools as well as providing manual
labour on projects such as building new community centres or other similar
facilities. As well as this, we underwent conservational work in the
Borneo rainforest, planting new trees to ensure that the habitat which is home
to thousands of different species continues to thrive. The adventure phase saw us spend a few days off the coast of Borneo, learning to scuba dive
and gaining our PADI Open Water Qualification in the process.
I believe that this trip was invaluable, in both what I gave to, and received from, the people of Borneo. It is humbling to know
that I spent a month of my summer making a difference to the lives
of others less fortunate than myself, and I am sure it is an experience which
will remain with me for life. Even before the trip itself, I learnt how to manage my finances as I fundraised to a deadline, as well as developing
my teamwork skills as I worked with the other members of the group. Whilst there, became more independent; having never stayed away from my family for
so long, this was a milestone in itself, and I have returned home with a
new appreciation and understanding of the culture and lifestyle of the people
of Borneo and how it differs from our own.
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