Oban teenager raising cash for Chile work
OBAN teenager Megan Evans needs £6,000 to fund a gap year teaching in Chile.
The 18-year-old from Oban has just six months left to raise the funds for the trip that will see her volunteering as an English teacher with Belén Educa, an organisation working in schools in economically deprived areas.
Megan, a student at Argyll College, signed up for the adventure through Isle of Coll-based education charity Project Trust and will spend 12 months in either Valparaiso or Santiago.
A Valentine’s hamper raffle, drawn at the Royal Bank of Scotland where her mum Marion works, made £185. So far she has raised about £900 and is hoping a quiz night at the Masonic Lodge in Albany Street tomorrow (Friday February 23) at 7.30pm will also give her fundraising mission a boost. She is writing to businesses and charitable trusts in search of sponsorship too.
Megan, who once visited New York with Oban Pipe Band, will have some free time to go exploring during her year away. Possible adventures could include hiking in the Torres Del Paine National Park in mountainous Patagonia, seeing millions of stars above the desert of San Pedro de Atacama and climbing a volcano on Pucon.
‘I think I’d make a good teacher,’ said Megan, ‘and this time in Chile will put that to the test. If I’m right, then that’s something I’ll pursue as a career. I’d also like to come home speaking fluent Spanish.’
To make a donation go online to Virgin Money Giving and search Megan’s Year In Chile.