This year in my area, it seems as if every 17-year-old around me wants to pack their bags and jet off to some distant exotic country not to relax, but to work. Now that’s not what I have come to expect from my age group but I guess it just goes to show people can surprise us!
Many independent schools in my area have started giving out grants to those students who wish to expand their knowledge of subjects or volunteer abroad. This could be the solution to the dramatic increase in 17 year olds who wish to work while on holiday! Many friends and acquaintances I have spoken to who are considering volunteering this summer claim it is to help those in need whereas others bring up the dreaded word UCAS.
Nowadays such a stress is put on how many ‘points’ you score and how good your personal statement looks which I fear is the true influence behind the new influx of budding volunteers.
However, it must be said whatever the motivation behind so many keen volunteers, good will still be done in these countries and it provides some fantastic opportunities. One friend described how she is hoping to travel to Sri Lanka to work on turtle conservation whereas another described his wish to go to Bali and help construct houses in the poorest areas. Hopefully these trips are filled with an abundance of new experiences, fun and hopefully some good for the cause! Good luck to all the 17 year olds in South West London hoping to go away this summer, I wish you all the best!
