Venturing to Africa to immerse herself in village life while helping children and animals has always been a dream for Werribee’s Samantha Preuss.
Next year, Preuss, 19, will make her dream a reality when she volunteers in four South African towns as part of a month-long community development program with Volunteer Eco Students Abroad.
Preuss says her role caring for animals at a Hoppers Crossing pet store inspired her to volunteer.
The former Galvin Park Secondary College student, who finished VCE last year, has deferred tertiary studies to raise money for the African trip.
“This way I get to go see a place I have always dreamed of, but I’m also doing something worthwhile and rewarding during my stay,” she says.
‘‘I also believe by volunteering you are able to become really involved in the day-to-day living of the communities and learn more about how they live.”
In Africa, Preuss will spend more than 40 hours in schools, teaching children English and helping remote communities improve infrastructure.
“I will be able to work with the children at the schools as well as help them build much-needed classrooms and facilities,” she says. “We will also be helping to re-paint and restore school buildings that are in need of work.”
Preuss, who will depart on January 4, will also work in wildlife parks, feeding and caring for cheetahs and crocodiles.
She hopes to raise $6000 for the program. This will cover her flights; hiring local tradesmen to help with building projects; building materials; and donations to schools and organisations in need in the communities she visits.
» volunteerforever.com/volunteer_profile/samantha-preuss
