My name is Anouk, and I am a Year 9 scholarship student at Lindisfarne. My school is offering an incredible opportunity to take part in the Global Gratitude program, a volunteering experience in Malbago village on Bantayan Island in the Philippines that I would love to be part of.

This village was founded in 2011 by Daniel Kuzeff, who raised funds to build permanent homes for families whose fragile shelters were often destroyed by typhoons. Bantayan Island is in the disaster-prone typhoon belt, and Malbago now provides families with safety and stability.

The Global Gratitude program now runs an eleven-day immersion experience for students. It includes volunteering in construction and community projects, as well as cross-cultural activities such as cooking with local families and visiting important cultural sites. The program cost covers travel, accommodation within the village, and meals. It also contributes directly back to the community. 9-12 students are taken, and the combined money also pays for one local to attend university, and supplies the village with rice that we distribute as part of the program.

I would love to participate in this program to broaden my world perspective, to experience life in another culture, and to contribute in a meaningful way. I am a hardworking and empathetic student who enjoys learning from different perspectives. For example, I have competed for several years in Gold Coast debating competitions, where I research and discuss global issues. I believe this opportunity will allow me to grow not only as a student but also as a person who can make a positive difference.

This would be the very first time I have had the chance to take part in one of Lindisfarne’s international experiences, and it would mean the world to me. I will also be taking on a part-time job to contribute toward the cost. I would be deeply grateful if you would consider supporting me by contributing toward my financial goal. Any amount will help me move closer to attending this life-changing experience.

Thank you so much for considering my request.

With gratitude,

Anouk Schlueter