It’s a part of childhood many of us take for granted.
Two Squamish students are travelling to Nicaragua to build a school in a rural community to more kids have a chance at an education.
Grade 8 students Zoe Carter, from Don Ross Middle School, and Maren Malik, from Coast Mountain Academy, are fundraising to help them get to the Central American country.
They will be leaving Squamish in July for Los Campos, a small community in western Nicaragua as part of a ME to WE volunteer trip.
A fundraiser is being held on Tuesday (June 20) from 7 to 10 p.m. at Zephyr Café on Cleveland Avenue downtown.
There will be youth performers, special appearances for a few teachers and parents who are regular Sea to Sky performers, beverages, appies, a 50/50 draw and door prizes.
“We will be working hard and meeting and interacting with many of the kids who live in the area,” said Zoe, who is learning Spanish for the trip.
“We will also get the chance to see the impact of natural disasters, learn about the challenges these kids face day to day in accessing education and the struggles they face in getting clean water.”
This isn’t her first time participating in a charity initiative.
The 13-year-old has also fundraised for Because I am a Girl, Feed the Children, the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, United Nations and WE Day.
Also 13 years old, Maren, who is a student ambassador for her school, has fundraiser for WE Villages, World Wildlife Fun and the SPCA.
Now the students are ready to travel internationally to help other children access education.
ME to WE helps youth volunteer in communities in the Amazon, India, Ecuador, Kenya and other countries.
“This is a trip that will empower [Zoe and Maren] to become concerned global citizens, develop them into leaders in their community and provide them with the tools to change lives,” said Amanda Zamperin, manager of fundraising programs with ME to WE.
The total cost of the trip for both students is $7,990 and includes all expenses – airfare, guides, facilitators and leadership programming, safety measures, accommodations and meals.
