How to become a Travelling Scholar
Every year the 30 secondary schools that make an outstanding contribution to the Famine are asked to nominate students to attend Senior Scholarship week. These students are then asked to complete a written paper and attend an interview. Based on these, five students are selected to travel overseas to witness firsthand World Vision’s work.
In September 08, five students were awarded a World Vision Sanitarium-funded Travelling Scholarship trip. In early 2009 they visited Tanzania.
The 2008 Travelling Scholars share their experiences of Tanzania.
Wesley Hedder, Hamilton Boys High School, Hamilton, Aged 17
"What struck me most was the welcoming and hospitable nature of the communities we visited. When we arrived at the Bugabo Area Development Programme, the whole community came out to welcome us, dancing, singing and beating drums in celebration. The people of Tanzania are so full of joy and hope, despite living without many of the resources that we take for granted."
David Reynolds, Wellington College, Wellington, Aged 17
"I was really moved by the hope that the people of Tanzania have; they are so happy and optimistic, even though we might not see it that way. A highlight for me, was meeting Dennis, who is of similar age to me. His story is impacting because his parents and younger brother have passed away and he has been left to look after his younger sister in a child-headed household. The responsibility he carries is huge, yet he has never let adversity get the better of him."
Aleisha Westerdaal, Kingsway School, Orewa, Aged 17
"It was a humbling experience meeting a child-headed household within the Bugoba Area Development Programme, headed by15-year old, Aldina, who is the same age as my younger sister. She provides and takes care of her three younger brothers and sisters. I also have three younger siblings, and was astounded by the enormous responsibility that she has at such a young age."
Frances Oliver, Westlake Girls High School, Auckland, Aged 17
"I was really encouraged meeting Happiness, a young woman within the Ibuga Area Development Programme, who has had the opportunity to go to school with the help of World Vision. She is a role model within her community and has a bright future ahead of her. She hopes to become an accountant".
Abdal-Bari Al-Chanati, Westlake Boys High School, Auckland, Aged 17
"I don’t think I can ever again complain how hard my life is, or give up on a challenge that faces me. Unlike many of the people living in Tanzania, I was born in the right place at the right time. I may not have deserved it as much, and I may not have worked as hard for it, but that is the sad and cruel fact to this world that we live in. Fairness is not in the equation. But, that should never stop us from fixing it, from restoring fairness into humanity. Even though the process moves at a slow rate, drop by drop we must win the fight against poverty."