ARCHIVED news story
Student plea: Help me get to Guyana
Released on 01 August 2006
I consider myself a passionate, conscientious person who strongly believes in the potential and dynamics young people have on society
Lena Jeha, 18
A South Norfolk student who needs to raise £1,000 in just over two weeks has made an emergency plea for help.
On August 19, Lena Jeha of Newton Flotman flies out to Guyana to start a new life as a science teacher helping 14 to 15 year olds in one of the most deprived nations in South America.
She will be teaching at the New Amsterdam Tutorial School in Guyana's second biggest city, population 33,000. For an 18 year old who wants to make teaching her career, this will be a baptism of fire.
Lena, aged 18, and a leading member of South Norfolk Youth Action, said:
“It’s going to be very tough out there, and I’m under no illusions because everyone has been reacting with shock when I have told them. But, I am determined to use whatever skills I have to help these young people.”
She is going as part of Norfolk Education and Action for Development (NEAD), but must pay her own way. It will cost £4,000, and so far she has raised £3,000. Now she is desperate for a sponsor to come forward and help her make it to New Amsterdam.
She added:
“I am an enthusiastic 18 year old who has just finished sitting A-levels in chemistry, biology, government and politics and general studies.
"I consider myself a passionate, conscientious person who strongly believes in the potential and dynamics young people have on society.
“Having been a former member of Youth Parliament and currently on several other youth councils such as the award winning South Norfolk Youth Council and Connexions, I have become heavily involved in the implementation and scrutiny of government policy.
“More importantly my passion belongs to science and the environment. Initially this began with my involvement with NEAD, an educational charity that helped me start a fair-trade group in my school, as well as contributing to black history month and refugee week.”
Lena explained that Guyana is covered in dense tropical rainforest, and was made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “the lost world”. It is rich natural resources such hardwood timber, gold and Bauxite.
She said it was now facing serious threat of deforestation, climate change, and hazardous waste and several species are becoming endangered. Malaria and aids are on a rapid increase and the nation is facing problems include a shortage of skilled labour and a deficient infrastructure.
The government of Guyana is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment.
She said:
“Although I am only 18 and I am not going to cure world debt, poverty or disease, I can contribute to fixing the problem. So far I have raised £3,000, however I need to reach a target of 4,000 by 19 August.
“Time is running out and I really need the support of friends, family and the community to make my dream come true and help the children of Guyana.”
Anyone who wants to sponsor Lena, can contribute directly by going to www.justgiving.com/lenaloo
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