Two Canals, One Kayak : A MAP Charity Fundraiser

In the final week of March, I will be paddling - and portaging - from my student city of Leeds to my home city of Lancaster in a less-than-discreet sea kayak: alone. Beyond the sheer joy of adventure, I am also embarking on this micro-expedition to raise money for a charity close to my heart.

MAP Charity is a non-profit, "alternative education provider working with young people who are unable to access the mainstream school system" here in Leeds, at Mabgate’s very own Hope Foundry. Beyond offering the opportunity to gain a BTEC qualification in Art and Design or Music and Creative Media, MAP provides its pupils with a learning environment full of nurture and encouragement - yes - but also one that is brimming with creativity.

The work MAP does is vital, and for the last two years I have been fortunate enough to contribute to these developments alongside my own studies. It’s for this reason that I am so invested in its continued betterment.

Inspired by the work of John Dewey and William Cowperthwaite I have recently been exploring the necessity of experiential learning (i.e., 'learning through doing') - and the value that it adds to our lives. Based on a belief that all education providers should be able to include modules on 'outdoor education' within their curricula, I am keen to raise £500 GBP to fund an off-site day of adventure and outdoor education (climbing or kayaking) for the pupils of MAP Charity. Whilst I acknowledge that this one-off sum of funding won’t be enough to change the curriculum in the long term, I do think it is an important first step in supplementing the education of MAP’s pupils in the short term.

My main hope is to use this GoFundMe-funded day of outdoor education as an opportunity to challenge the pupils in unfamiliar situations, reminding them of their own potential to overcome difficult situations, as well as their ability to act effectively in a team when necessary. It’s also an attempt to present self-development as a pleasant and fulfilling activity that can be pursued outside of the traditional classroom environment, thus empowering the pupils to engage with healthy approaches to lifelong learning.

I hope to see your name among the hundreds that chip in. I hope to thank you – too - for making this little dream come true.

With love and appreciation,

Jamie x