Nelson teen selected to Canada’s Youth Challenge International Tanzania project
By Nelson Daily Staff
L.V. Rogers 2012 graduate Olivia Marshman wants to make a difference on a “global scale.”
However, the 19-year-old native of Ymir is going to need a little . . . well, maybe, a lot of help from the community before she’s able to board a flight for Tanzania in late September as part of Canada’s Youth Challenge International (YCI) project.
“I’m a little worried about the fundraising, because I am out of my element and have never done something like this on such a large scale before,” Marshman told The Nelson Daily.
“I have about four weeks to accomplish the goals set before me, my final deadline for my donation is (Monday) September 9th.”
“I’ve come to realize how much help and support I need,” Marshman added.
Marshman, selected to represent Canada on Youth Challenge International’s Tanzania project, will be involved in our ongoing programming in the third-world country through a ten-week placement from October to mid-December.
To gain one of the few spots on the Tanzania project, she completed a comprehensive application and interview process, where ability and aptitude of candidates are assessed.
This process allowed candidates to share with YCI their motivations and interest in becoming involved in an international community development project.
Marshman, who enjoys soccer, baking, crafts and playing the violin, was selected based on her initiative, passion for community development, and strong leadership and teamwork skills.
“I applied because I want to make a positive difference on a global scale and show other Canadian youth that live in rural areas that they too can make a big difference in the world,” Marshman, who completed her first term at Selkirk College in the Applied Science program.
“(I wanted to show) if a person works hard and show their dedication, the community they live in will stand behind them.”
Getting selected to represent Canada was a big step for Marshman.
However, a bigger test comes from the fact Marshman now needs to raise $5,800 to cover the cost of trip, which includes airfare.
Less than a week into the fundraising project, Marshman has raised more than $1,000.
“I feel that with the support of Nelson I will be able to meet this goal,” said Marshman, in June was the recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
To help Marshman carry the Nelson colours abroad supporters can donate at http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/OliviaMarshman or contact Marshman at (250) 551-4342 or email to 0.marshman@gmail.com
YCI is a registered Canadian charity, that donates 88 percent of funds back into communities, issues tax receipts for any donation larger then $25.
