My name is Justin Badenhorst, I have started this fundraiser for my son, Noah, who is 19 years old, and is currently in South Africa.

Since the beginning of the year, he has been taking part in a gapyear programme run by Warriors Academy. It is an amazing programme that helps young people become the best versions of themselves. Through a serious of workshops, coaching and outdoor activities the young people learn valuable lifeskills that will help them in all facets of their life going forward. This programme is mentally and physically tough. Designed to push the kids beyond their comfort zone to a place where they find inner strength and determination. Through these experiences they develop both physical and emotional fitness which leads to greater self awareness, self belief and self esteem.

So far this year Noah has excelled. To date he has received a Level 1 First Aid qualification, Level 5 public speaking qualification, as well as his advanced diver certification. He also received his deckhand sailing certificate, and as he was one of the standout performers that week, he was awarded a bursary to complete his skippers licence from the sailing academy which he will complete next year.

As a child who did not really feel suited to the traditional “book learning” style education he received in high school, he has really found his place here in this more hands on, practical learning environment. I have never seen him more committed, more focused or driven to succeed within this field than he is right now.

He is nearing the end of this gapyear and he has been selected to move on to the second, and even more challenging year of training, the Multi Activity Instructor (MAI) programme. This is specifically for people who wish to pursue a career in the outdoor and adventure tourism industry. In completing that course he will receive many internationally recognised certifications, such as - the SAMDT Walking Group Leader Award, Abseil Supervisor Award, Rock Climbing Instructor, Generic Adventure Site Guide to name but a few.

He also aims to work his way up to being a dive instructor and skipper.

While this is an incredible opportunity, it is unfortunately financially out of reach for me. In order for him to be a part of the first year, we have had to incur significant debt to cover those costs. This is not possible for another year.

And while I am working as much as I can to gather the fees, time is not on my side. So in an attempt to raise funds, I have started this GoFundMe campaign for Noah.

Asking for help is not easy, it is an awkward, uncomfortable and humbling experience. But there is nothing I won’t do to try help my son achieve his goals.

If you happen to have the means, and feel inclined to help a kid chase his dream, we would be forever grateful for any and all contributions. Every rand, pound or euro counts.

And if you don’t have the means, you can still help by sharing this post and getting it out as much as possible.

Noah is giving it his all, so as a father I want to do my best to support him in that, and help him go as far as he can.

All funds raised will be used directly to cover his tuition and all other costs due to to his participation in the MAI programme at Warriors Academy. If by some miracle we happen to reach, or even go beyond the target, the funds will be used to pay off the loans incurred in the first year of participation.

Our most sincere thanks and gratitude,

Justin and Noah.