Where did Maya (Class of 2019) volunteer in receipt of Sidcot Travel Award?

She was busy volunteering in a monkey sanctuary in Costa Rica. Watch her story and read the rest below. 

Extract from Maya's Report:

I found it surprising how easy it was to travel by yourself so far away! 

I learned that Howler Monkeys are exposed to electrocution. When they travel on uninsulated power lines, their tails grab the line thereby closing an electric circuit through their bodies. All tree-dwelling wildlife face the same threat. Perhaps the howler monkeys are more prone to death by electrocution because must grab hold of the power lines by their tail for stability. 

 

This experience has opened my eyes even more to the damage we (humans) cause to our wildlife. I've witnessed deforestation leading to loss of wildlife habitat. As well as microplastics being washed up on the shores of, what is otherwise beautiful, Cabo Blanco national park beach where I was surfing.

I get the impression that there are lots of people who are doing something about the Climate Crisis so perhaps, there is hope :-)

I want to bring a positive change to the way we (humans) live. We can make better choices every day. I learned that this sounds easy, but in practice, it can be a complex issue. For example, why is killing animals for our consumption be any less cruel than stealing howler-monkeys' habitat? I can begin to appreciate how one needs to align their values with their actions. 

This travel award (not to be cheesy but) it is a once in a lifetime experience! 

Being able to travel alone.
Supporting a cause that you strongly care about.
Freedom to decide where to go and what to do!

Having people believing in your decisions and donating money to Travel Award in good faith that it will be used properly. 

It taught me to be independent - travelling alone and meeting new people - and I recommend it wholeheartedly to everyone!

Want to apply to win the Travel Award but don't know where to start?
Try the website 'Working Abroad' for it is a good reliable source for conservation projects. All the projects listed here have been tested by volunteers. Through them, I took part in a conservation project trial in the Caribbean. I recommend them highly.