STUDENTS from Tavistock College are this month flexing their fundraising muscles, after being chosen to take part in a leadership development programme with the World Challenge Organisation. The goal of the exercise is to nurture leadership skills in an expedition through the Paklenica National Park in Croatia at the end of May. Part of the Challenge is to raise funds for the expedition themselves. The team of girls has already held cake sales, made and sold merchandise, sold refreshments at school productions and, not least, found part time work. During the World Challenge expedition the students will go canoeing on the Adriatic near Starigrad and hike through the Paklencia National Park, climbing to the summit of one of the Velebit peaks. Importantly the students must organise and lead the project themselves. Two of the group are Sinead Kenna and Alice Conn, who are in year 10 at the college. Alice said: 'Sometimes people our age get a lot of bad press about their behaviour and attitudes, but this is a really good example of just some of the great things you can achieve if you put your mind to it. 'We have worked really hard to pull the funds together doing all manner of activities and are really looking forward to learning new leadership skills and more about ourselves in a testing environment.' Sinead said: 'It has been hard work. We have a deadline to meet for funding at the end of March and we are still a little way short.' Sinead said the group would love to hear from anyone in the Tavistock area who would be willing to help their fundraising efforts, as each student has to raise £1,050. 'We would be particularly interested if any local businesses would be prepared to sponsor our challenge. We would be delighted to fly their flag at the top of the Croatian mountains,' she said. Sally Hubbard, head of year 10 at the college, said the girls' trip to Croatia would be followed by another, similar one for boys to Norway in July. Mrs Hubbard said: 'In both cases the students have to raise the funds to go and we would welcome support from the Tavistock Community. 'Both expeditions foster leadership skills, in fact the students have to take a day each leading, making decisions etc. They are responsible for the day to day decision making, the buying of provisions etc. This is all part of the challenge. 'These are not holidays, the students will carry full packs, be camping and trekking in wild country. These expeditions are intended to be challenging . 'We are proud of their commitment and welcome this opportunity to evolve leaders of the future.' Individuals or companies who would like to support and sponsor the students and their initiative can contact Sinead on 01822 854864 , email them at [email protected]">[email protected] or contact them by mail through Tavistock College.
