About the Volunteer Program
Alana Helbig, Lolly Cornish and Jono Hills have been selected to represent Australia in an international volunteer work program in January 2011. We will be travelling to Costa Rica to volunteer for a minimum of 80 hours each in a project focusing on conservation development.
We are truly excited to spend our summer volunteering abroad as we have the opportunity to learn about another culture and give back to a country which needs our help. We will be joining participants from universities across Australia and New Zealand who will travel to their host countries and divide into smaller volunteer groups.
Working under the direction of an organisation called International Student Volunteers, (www.isvonline.org), every volunteer project is coordinated and supervised by a local host organisation (governmental or non-governmental) run in accordance with the needs of the community.
This experience will broaden our awareness of environmental issues and give us hands-on, practical experience in conservation work. Our team will be dedicated to working in areas such as endangered species protection, scientific research and habitat restoration while we receive valuable education in sustainable management of resources and responsible use of the natural environment.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 to cover travel expenses and to donate to the host organisation. We would be grateful for your help. We have established this blog to keep our sponsors up to date on progress with the fundraising and to gain awareness for the cause. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact us.
About Alana
I'm 28 years old and live in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. I'm currently working full time as an IT consultant and I am also undertaking a Bachelor of Business at QUT. Through my studies, I was introduced to International Student Volunteers and the opportunity to participate in a conservation volunteer program in Costa Rica. I am excited about making a difference as well as getting to travel and be a part of the Costa Rican culture for 4 weeks. I also plan to receive academic credit for participating in the ISV program. My goal is to raise at least $2000 and all funds I raise will be directly donated to the volunteer organisation.
Phone: 0434 260 615
Email: alana.helbig@myriadtech.com.au
About Jono
I'm 26 years old and live in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. I recently completed my 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages' (TESOL) certification, and am currently organising a perpetual working holiday around the world. Alana introduced me to International Student Volunteers and the opportunity to participate in a conservation volunteer program in Costa Rica. I see this as an amazing way to start my travels, and am excited at the prospect of being able to make a real difference. My goal is to raise at least $2000 and all funds that I raise will go towards my airfares to make it to Costa Rica.
Phone: 0405 161 935
Email: jhills@technologist.com
About Lolly
I’m 26 and live in Brisbane but originally come from Jersey, Channel Isles. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and plan to do my Masters in Conservation biology in 2011. I have been involved with other volunteer conservation projects and love the skills I gained from hands on field work experience. Alana introduced me to this particular International Student Volunteer conservation project in Costa Rica and I was eager to be a part of it as I think it will be amazing to give back to a wonderful part of the world which has so much worth conserving. I look forward to being part of a team, making new friends and learning about the countries biodiversity, culture and general way of life. My goal is to raise $2000 and all funds will go towards ISV program costs.
Phone: 0432 252 905
Email: jerseykelpgirl@hotmail.co.uk