A Trip of a Lifetime to Support Communities and Wildlife Conservation in Kenya

My name is Eleanor Painter (15 years old), a student from Farlingaye High School and I am going on an expedition to Kenya in 2023.

I have always been passionate about the environment and have been keen to learn of its impacts on nature and communities, especially third world countries, as well as ways to make improvements, whether it be in or out of school. Through being involved in the Scout movement I have had the opportunity to volunteer as a young leader for my local Beaver troop.

The expedition to Kenya will involve four weeks of community development work, environmental projects and wildlife conservation. The aim is to positively impact the communities, wildlife and local environments of the areas travelled to. It will also include additional elements such as trekking, scuba diving, safari, climbing Mt Kenya and getting to experience the diverse culture of Africa.

The event is being run by Camps International, an organisation dedicated to involving young people in improvement projects across the world. At any one time, Camps International have over 100 humanitarian projects being undertaken by students across their camps. I will be making a difference by undertaking projects in Kenya which could include:

• Education: Helping children by building a new classroom within a rural district of Kenya.
• Housing: Raising the living standards of developing communities, within a rural district of Kenya.
• Healthcare & sanitation: Improving the health of a community by installing and improving local amenities.
• Food & water security: Installing new water facilities to provide fresh drinking water to local communities.
• Environmental protection: Digging animal watering holes, deworming livestock and helping local rangers.
• Sustainable livelihoods: Making sustainable crafts which local people can sell and support micro-enterprise.

This expedition is important to me because I feel that I will acquire and develop many important life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, confidence and independence, and being able to adapt in a given situation. I will have the opportunity to learn new skills, experience new cultures and have unique life experiences that could not be replicated at home or in the classroom, meaning aside from having the opportunity to visit a truly inspiring country, I will benefit from my expedition and the preparation and lead up to it in ways I can only imagine.

I am looking forward to this experience and although I understand there are many physical and mental challenges to overcome, I know the skills and life-long memories will make it all worth it. This is an opportunity for travel and adventure as well as being able to help local communities.

Camps International is a social enterprise that makes a profit to reinvest in communities and projects – this means that I need to fundraise to cover the expenses of my trip. The money raised will go towards travel costs and to fund a variety of project work. This includes community development work, wildlife conservation, environmental conservation and trekking.

The cost of the trip is entirely funded by myself through developing entrepreneurial skills, independence and self-reliance. So far I have asked for support from friends and family, by asking them to give money for birthdays and Christmases instead of presents. I am also working with Mansion House Publishing, delivering Spotlight on Felixstowe magazines, with money earnt being put towards my trip. I am looking to raise money in other ways in the future through part-time work and sponsored events.  

T-shirt sponsorship for businesses

I am doing a t-shirt sponsorship where businesses can purchase a tailored sponsorship patch on my Camps International t-shirt, which will be worn throughout the expedition, with regular updates posted on social media. Any supporting business will be provided with copies of these photos which they can use in their promotional literature when I return. It’s a great way for businesses to show they support young adults doing amazing things.

For further information or to sponsor a spot on my t-shirt, please email me at ele.kenyaexpedition@yahoo.com or visit my JustGiving and Go Fund Me pages:

Gofundme.com/Help-Eleanor-support-rural-communities-in-Kenya or

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eleanor-painter?utm_term=k9pKW5Pjd