Teens go to India to help those in poverty (From Knutsford Guardian)
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Teens go to India to help those in poverty
5:20pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in News
By David Morgan
Twin sisters Georgia and Hope Mason and their friend Beca Kenney are set for a fundraising trip to India. George Osborne MP is one of their sponsors
THREE teenagers will be jetting off on an adventure to India next summer to help people living in poverty.
Twin sisters Georgia and Hope Mason and their friend Beca Kenney, who are all 16, will be travelling more than 4,000 miles to the Sangam World Guide Centre near the city of Pune.
The trio, who attend the Girl Guides’ Jodrell Senior Section, will represent Cheshire when they work on behalf of Sangam’s partner charities.
This could be at a crèche, a mother and baby centre or even a leprosy rehabilitation centre while the work could involve anything from teaching English to DIY.
Georgia, of Brookfield Drive, Holmes Chapel, said: “It will be a shock to see the lack of privilege and the children in the slums who don’t have anything.
“It will definitely change the way we look at what we have.”
Georgia, Hope and Beca, who attend Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, were selected during an international opportunities event organised by Girl Guiding Cheshire border in Alsager in July.
“We did different team building activities and a speed dating style interview so the leaders could learn more about us,” added Georgia.
“Waiting to hear whether we’d been selected was tense because we had our hearts set on India.
“None of us have travelled very far so to go so far away is really exciting. It will be rewarding to be on a community programme helping other people and having a purpose.”
Georgia and Hope will have to wave goodbye to their parents for 17 days.
“They’re a bit worried about letting us go away so far but our parents are more excited than we are,” Georgia said.
Georgia, Hope and Beca also have to raise £2,500 for the trip and are appealing for help from businesses in the Knutsford area.
Among the sponsors so far are RVW Pugh in Holmes Chapel and George Osborne MP and the trio are planning a number of fundraisers in the months ahead.
Mr Osborne added: “It was really inspiring to meet three youngsters who want to use their time to help some of the most disadvantaged people and put something back into the world.
“I have sponsored Hope, Georgia and Beca to raise money for this good cause and I hope other local people will do this too.”
