15/6/2012
$53,000 raised for Plan International Australia!

This past May, Inspired Adventures led a trip to Nepal raising $53,000 for Plan International Australia, an organisation that works to empower communities, alleviate poverty, and arm children with the opportunity to reach their full potential. 13 inspired participants took part in the adventure including Gold members Jane Westney, Peggy North, Debra Burlington and Pamela Macdonald. 

The highlight of the trip came towards the end when the group visited several Plan projects in Makwanpur.  At a local farming community, they were introduced to a female dairy farmer who slaved away to produce high quality milk. The merchants from the markets accused her of diluting the milk with water and demanded an unfairly lowered price.

Plan evaluated the plight of local community members like this woman to provide exactly what they needed: a machine to certify the quality of milk, along with education and training on its proper use. This contraption tests the lactose and fat content in the milk and prints out a receipt that the farmers can use to negotiate a higher price. Since implementing the computerised system, 43 local dairy farmers come daily to have their milk tested and have been able to double their income from milk sales.  

The machine cost 250,000 rupees (approximately AU$3,250) to purchase, just a fraction of what this incredible group raised for Plan. 

“When you think of international development, you think of bricks and water. You think of building a school or a water pump - and then leaving the community. You don’t think of this,” Tristanne Scott, Inspired Adventures Social Leader says. “Plan is teaching life skills. It really evidenced the value of an international development agency with consultants that ask the communities what they need. They don’t need a building. They need to be able to sell their milk.”

 The group also had the opportunity to trek through the Annapurna’s, affording them spectacular views of the Himalayas.  Through thick forests and serene lakes, this determined batch of people pushed themselves to hike a challenging trail and raise money to support Plan’s Girls Fund. Plan’s Girls Fund exists to support projects that fight gender inequality, and to champion girl's rights.

Although the entire trip was charmed with gorgeous sunrises, treks through luscious scenery, and quaint villages, Tristanne notes, “The best part was feeling a connection with the local community and seeing the tangible outcome of your donation.”

Want to go on a life changing trip in 2012? Check our www.inspiredadventures.com.au/plan