UN Youth New Zealand Project Fundraising!

My name is Ayushi Pillai and I am in my last year of school at Mount Roskill Grammar School. I want to make a difference in the world in any way, big or small and the Pacific Project as part of the United Nations Youth in New Zealand gives me an opportunity to do this.

UN Pacific Project

I feel extremely fortunate to be chosen as 1 of 10 students in New Zealand to be a selected to be a part of The Pacific Project. The 10 of us were selected from all around New Zealand based on a written application, recommendations and an interview process. The Pacific Project is a UN Youth New Zealand project involving a cultural exchange, youth conferences and development experiences that will take place in Australia and Vanuatu in July 2015. The duration of this project will be two and a half weeks where we will be able to help make a difference. In Australia we will joined by 150 students from all over Australia and the Asia Pacific region whereas in Vanuatu, I will be working alongside the 9 other students to help make a difference.

Details of the Trip

In Australia, I will be representing New Zealand at the UN Youth Australia National Delegation where I will be involved in a series of discussions, interacting with like-minded people from all over Asia-Pacific on a range of global and national issues. The conference will also allow me an opportunity to hear from reputed international experts on a broad range of topics while also giving me the chance to participate in workshops and interactive problem solving scenarios.

Whilst in Vanuatu we will put our new knowledge and ideas into practice, working with small communities to develop local projects. This part of our journey will act as a cultural exchange, learning opportunity, and an invaluable chance for me to engage in impact driven, community based development. This segment of the trip will include teaching opportunities and relationship development in an effort to better understand the crucial role New Zealand plays in the region’s socio-economic development.

Financial Cost

The tough stuff – the cost for me to partake in this incredible opportunity is $5000. This money goes directly to UN Youth New Zealand to cover my flights to Australia and Vanuatu, accommodation, living costs and all activities related to The Pacific Project. Any help you can offer me to reach my goal – big or small makes a huge difference - is very much appreciated!

I am humbled to have been given this opportunity to be an ambassador for New Zealand and contribute to effecting meaningful change, and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.