World Challenge 2016 Thailand and Cambodia

Hi, my name is Leah Billyard and I am 15 years old. I have been fortunate to be selected into World Challenge 2016 to embark on an adventure of a lifetime to Thailand and Cambodia.

I attend Otago Girls High School in Dunedin; this opportunity was offered to year 11 and 12 students. Only 20 girls were selected based on my school’s core values which are integrity, positivity and respect, along with teacher’s recommendations.

World Challenge is a student led expedition where students are responsible for planning our own itinerary, managing the budget and day-to-day responsibilities. Throughout the journey we will trek through Thailand where we will explore the remote jungle and learn key survival skills and gain knowledge of another culture. In Cambodia we will interact with the local community and give something beneficial back, I’m hoping to work alongside underprivileged children in a local school or orphanage.

This expedition costing $7300 plus incidentals is fulling self-funded. Since being accepted I have raised $632.00 from selling my artwork, selling my old clothes, coaching volleyball and a bake sale. I intend to do sausage sizzles, bake sales, cleaning, sell more artwork and gain a part-time job over the next few months.

This experience will be physically and emotionally challenging and I will develop my skills in team work, leadership, decision making, personal growth, time management, budgeting, personal and team safety and gain a different perspective on life as I know it.