Dear Neil

I have recently completed my Project out in Zimbabwe of conservation of the Big 5. I would like to thank all those who helped with the scholarship money as it allowed me to be able to pay for the project fees which I wouldn’t have been able to do without your help. I had the most wonderful time out in Zimbabwe and learned things about myself which would not have been possible if I didn’t go. From helping out in the local school every Wednesday morning, from upkeep of their garden, to teaching the children the importance of recycling and picking up rubbish and to helping restore their facilities, it taught me to appreciate the things we have in life and that sometimes we take things for granted. From being around the guides 24/7 they taught me that even when encountered with things that are dangerous and scare me that I should still always keep conservation in my mind.

I learnt the kindness of people’s hearts when I would be scared in the night due to the spiders and bugs, and took that onto myself to be kind to those who are scared of things I am not.

From restoring fences and habitats in the reserve taught me resilience as minute by minute the temperature would increase and the sun would come out, and showed me that complaining and moaning were not needed as we had a job to do and animals that needed our help to remain safe.

The camp outs every week had to be one of my favourite experiences as everyone gathered together near the bonfire and listened to stories and learnt about Zimbabwe’s ancient history. We would sing songs together and dance around in circles laughing all the way through the night.

This project will always hold a special place in my heart as it allowed me to discover that I am stronger and braver than I thought I was, it allowed me to meet people all over the world and to learn about different peoples histories. If I could recommend anything to do with your time it would be this programme, no matter if it’s 2 weeks to 3 months, the time will fly by and you will feel like you have grown as a person and that you’ve changed for the good. I am looking forward to going back to my old school in the next few months to tell the 6th form all about my adventures and the benefit of the scholarship.

Thank you again for your help in making this happen.