A Sylvan Lake teenager is relishing the prospect of experiencing a different culture while making a difference in the world this summer.
Lakoda Thomas will travel to Rajasthan, India, where she’ll spend three weeks helping build a school between July and August.
She’s travelling with a group of 25 youths from all around the world through Me to We Ñ a Toronto-based organization that bills itself as an “innovative social enterprise that offers socially conscious products and life-changing experiences”.
At just 15, Thomas hasn’t yet been outside North America. While she knows she’ll encounter a culture much different than her own, the thought of experiencing a strange country doesn’t faze her.
“I want to get a look at a new look, at a different culture, as well as experience a whole different reality from what I live in,” she said. “More importantly, I want to help everyone who is struggling with education there.”
During the trip, members of the group will construct a school in the rural area of Udaipur.
They’ll work half days on the project, with the other half being spent getting to know, and interacting with, local villagers.
Thomas said she’s “always wanted to go on a trip like this”, and decided to turn her dream into reality when she found an appropriate cause through a reputable organization.
“It was a total fluke that I found it,” she said. “There was one spot left, and it was an overnight decision. That was about a month ago.”
Since then, she’s done plenty of research on her destination, and expects her senses to be overwhelmed by the country’s different sights, sounds, and smells.
“I read a lot about third world countries and different countries around the world, but I’ve never actually been anywhere but the United States,” she said. “It’s going to be an experience.”
Upon her return home, she wants to share that experience with others, with hopes that they’ll be encouraged to carry out similar work.
Starting a non-profit organization is something she’s considering pursuing with the help of other like-minded Central Alberta youths.
“I really just want to come back and be able to tell them about it and hopefully start this up and make it a reality,” she said. “I just like to make people feel better, no matter which way I help.”
Thomas is currently fundraising to help cover her travel expenses, and is looking into the possibility of holding a fundraising event in June.
Those interested in helping are asked to email her at lakodarondel@gmail.com.