Hello. My name is Svara Mistry. I am a 16-year-old student living in Dublin, Ireland. I feel very humbled and privileged today to share with you that I have been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to partake in a humanitarian project with an organisation, I hold very dear to my heart, Action Ireland Trust. They have partnered with my school Portmarnock Community School and will be travelling down to Lesotho in Southern Africa, to undertake a number of social activities, that will benefit the less fortunate in that country.

As an ex-South African myself, I understand the plight of the less fortunate in South and Southern Africa and have seen firsthand the pain and suffering experienced. From homelessness to starvation, from a lack of exposure to education, sanitation and running water – people are exposed to hardships that no human should be exposed to. For that reason, I feel honoured to have been selected to be on this trip and make a small difference in the lives of those in need.

Although the actual trip is scheduled for March 2026, our journey on this program started a few months ago. Of the +/- 120 students in my grade this year, I was selected as 1of 40 students, having gone through a rigorous selection process. Facing intimidating interviews and critical challenges from start to finish, I knew I had to soldier on and get to Lesotho, to make a difference.

Now that the selection process has wrapped up, I have turned my attention to Lesotho and the amazing initiatives we will be driving in country. Predominantly, we will be involved in educational initiatives where we will be repairing and building classrooms, creating libraries, setting up water systems, and running workshops for teachers and students. We will be exposed to little kids, helping them to read and write better and to young girls, helping them with health and young lady experiences. Ultimately, the idea is to help in any and every way we can and build lasting relationships between ourselves and the people of Lesotho.

Before I jump on the plane in a few months, I need your help! As this is also a school initiative, and part of our growth and learnings, we will be self-funding the entire trip, to help cover costs and buy materials along the way, that will be used when we are there (classroom equipment, books, stationery and community improvements). None of it is wasted. Every cent will go into making a real, visible difference on the ground.

This project isn’t just about construction or aid — it’s about people. We’re building friendships, learning new perspectives, and helping communities grow stronger through education. For me, it’s also a chance to step out of my comfort zone, represent my school, and do something that truly matters and aligns with my personal values, in a country I hold so dear.

 “It always seems impossible until its done” …Nelson Mandela