KDSS grad seeks to make a difference in Australia 

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Ramona Neferu, a graduate of Kincardine District Secondary School studying engineering chemistry at Queen's University in Kingston, has been selected to participate in a unique four-week volunteer program in Australia. She will be working alongside 20 to 50 other like-minded individuals from around the world under the direction of an organization called International Student Volunteers (ISV).

During her first two weeks in Australia, Neferu will be volunteering on a diverse range of conservation-based projects such as protecting endangered penguins, erosion management programs, rainforest regeneration, bushland regeneration and scientific research with endangered Australian wildlife. Each two-week volunteer project is dedicated to making a difference for threatened Australian environments and animals suffering from years of poor land practice and environmental devastation.

In the last 200 years, Australia has lost many of its iconic species and has one of the worst mammal extinction rates in the world. ISV volunteers have the opportunity to work alongside local Australian organizations that partner with ISV to develop hands-on conservation volunteer projects. ISV volunteers’ efforts will help to protect and restore the unique and fragile Australian landscapes which provide habitat for Australia's threatened flora and fauna. Projects focus on habitat restoration, and volunteers may find themselves working in a wildlife sanctuary, doing scientific research or an outdoor education project. Many students report back that their lives have also been changed while seeking to make a difference in the environments in which they volunteer.

Following her two weeks of volunteering, Neferu will participate in an educational two-week adventure tour of Australia. During this time, she will travel extensively along the east coast and be fully immersed in the local Aussie culture. She will explore some of the country’s most exciting locations through amazing activities such rappelling in the Blue Mountains, a cruise in Sydney Harbour, learning to surf in Byron Bay, and scuba diving and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Through this adventure, she will gain a deeper appreciation and greater sense of stewardship for the natural wonders of Australia.

“I am so excited to volunteer with International Student Volunteers in Australia,” says Neferu. “Australia has such a delicate environment with so many issues and I am looking forward to making a contribution to a region that needs my help. I am also really looking forward to learning more about real Aussie culture.”

Neferu will be paying for the majority of the program with her personal funds. “I have been saving up money for the past few years through my jobs at Gordon Pharmasave, refereeing soccer for the Kincardine Minor Soccer Association, and a one-month internship at Bruce Power last summer. I’ll also be working as a recreation and residence supervisor this summer at the Deep River Science Academy in Deep River, Ontario. Using what’s left of my savings after a financially-demanding first year at university, and with my parents’ help, I now have almost half of the program cost covered.”

She will be contributing to ISV’s two millionth hour of volunteer work that will be accomplished this summer.  ISV has offered life-changing volunteer projects since 2002. More than 4,000 students travel with ISV every year across six continents. ISV has nine offices internationally and its head office in the United States is a registered non-profit organization.

Ramona Neferu 

ISV focuses on sustainability and eco-conscious tourism. One of its main goals is to create an opportunity for students to experience a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure where they can meet new people, discover new places and travel with a purpose that benefits both the host country and the student.

 Volunteer projects are operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including government and non-government organizations (NGOs), private reserves and farms, and local grassroots community groups. All ISV volunteers have the opportunity to become a part of local communities that have partnered with ISV to develop hands-on volunteer projects and many have enjoyed lasting friendships as a result.

If you would like to sponsor Neferu by making a gift donation to support her volunteer efforts please contact her at 8rfn@queensu.ca or (519) 832-7822.

If you would like to find out more information about International Student Volunteers and even perhaps join Neferu, please visit their website www.isvonline.org.

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Saturday, February 27, 2010