mmg.com.au

Stanhope resident and RMIT student Jean Young will head to India later this month as part of a volunteer group to teach English at the foot of the Himalayas.

Jean, an environmental and social science student, has been accepted into the Young People Without Borders program, and will teach under-privileged children in the Northern Indian province, Himmazhel Pradesh.

The program, put together by non-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering, places young volunteers in various countries around the world, including China, Vietnam and India.

‘‘I was motivated to participate after my first trip overseas to Vietnam,’’ Ms Young said.

‘‘It was the first time I had been exposed to extreme poverty, and it allowed me to recognise that I actually had the time and resources to make a difference.’’

Returning from a four day training camp at Mt Evelyn recently, where she was taught some of the skills needed for her role, Jean hopes the trip will be a rewarding experience for her as well as those she teaches.

‘‘I think it will benefit me through building my confidence and giving me a new found sense of appreciation,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m hoping to gain a better understanding of completely different cultures, beliefs, foods, lifestyles, living conditions and influence of poverty in comparison to living in Australia.’’

An avid environmentalist, Jean is looking forward to encouraging environmental awareness in India, as well as seeing different environmental initiatives taking place throughout the country.

‘‘There’s quite a few problems over there with pollution and rubbish at the moment, so I’d like to promote some clean-living ideas, as well as look at some of the different things they’re doing’’.

Never one to shy away from ambitious projects, Jean has spent the time before her departure participating in various volunteer projects, including attending climate change youth summit Power Shift and writing for blog site Real Youth.

Jean is currently seeking sponsorship for her trip. Any businesses or people wishing to contribute are asked to contact her via email at jeanlouise11@gmail.com