Libby's Ecuador Trip 2020

In March this year, I was selected to be a part of an expedition team travelling to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with another 25 girls from my school, Hamilton Girls’ High. The expedition is due to depart in December of 2020 and we will be away for 3-4 weeks. I've always wanted to travel and this opportunity will give me an amazing experience.

This is not a normal school excursion! It's made up of four parts; the preparation before we leave, the project, the trek and the exploration.

PREPARATION: As part of the lead up to our departure we will be learning all about Ecuador before getting the opportunity to plan our trip, I will be taking part in training courses that will further develop my leadership and organisation skills making the process even more enjoyable.

PROJECT: During preparation we decide on a project to carry out in a local village; Teaching, construction, conservation, and community development are the main focus. We will also immerse ourselves in local culture, teach English and involve the local children in various activities. As a group we fund raise for this project which is additional to the money I will need to raise myself for my trip.

TREK: Once again as a group we plan a trek, which will either be through the Andes Mountains or the Amazon Jungle, for about a week. We will carry our packs and stay in tents, but lucky us we have mules to carry all the heavy gear!

EXPLORATION: We will explore from the Amazon to the Galapagos and beyond. This is an opportunity to travel backpacker style to explore the sights, soak up the atmosphere and hopefully have heaps of fun! Unlike a usual school trip, we will be taking responsibility for the decision making along the way.

An important part of the experience is to raise the funds to enable me to participate in the expedition. The cost of the trip is $9550 not including visas, vaccinations and gear. My aim is to raise as much money by myself through working and extra jobs whilst keeping up with study and sport. Therefore I would be so appreciative of any financial support you can offer.

Thank you!! xx

- Libby Marr