Wednesday 11th February saw the official launch of my School Outreach Project with a small diner party at the “Fish Market Restaurant”:http://www.havanagoodtime.co.uk/ in Plymouth. This was my first fundraising event that I have organized and I must admit that I was very nervous about how it would turn out.

The event started off with a glass of bubbly and time for people to relax and introductions to be made. Once everyone arrived I gave a short presentation in support of my expedition aims and my motivation for wanting to work within schools.

I am a strong believer that outdoor education helps develop children and young adults, it builds team work and leadership qualities through the experience of a controlled challenging environment. For instance, over coming fears of heights in rock climbing and abseiling, working as a team to complete a route in the mountains or moors, like Ten Tors or the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, to camp out in the rain away from home. To face these challenges and over come them teaches a whole different set of life skills that can not be taught or learnt in the comfort of the classroom.

Expeditions like those run by “British Schools Exploring Society”:http://www.bses.org.uk/ not only teaches these essential skills but also offers the opportunity to conduct scientific research. This allows participants to directly connect and learn about the world around them and to inspire curiosity and a willingness to learn about the world we live in. Experiences learnt on this type of expedition will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Of course, age restricts at what stage in education you can start to pursue expeditions, however I am a believer that these lessons can, none the less, be brought into the classroom at an early age. The technology now exists so that school classes can ask questions whilst an expedition is away. That those questions can be sent directly to a satellite phone. Questions can then be answered and emails and photographs sent back making the classroom a fun and inspiring place to learn in. Its about breaking down the confines of 4 walls and making students feel as if they are part of an overseas project. To then follow this up by a presentation within the classroom of photographs and film, taken on the expedition really helps inspire at all levels of the educational system.

The evening was a great success and I would like to thank the following people for attending and showing their support. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, the support of Plymouth Argyle, Joseph Louei from Plymouth Chambers and Beth Clayton from Plymouth Youth Chambers. A further thank you is needed to the support of the local businesses who attended and have donated to my raffle and to all the schools who have come on board. Lastly, to my family and friends who have also been the foundation and support over the past few years in making this dream come true. Cathie and Mihaela, without your help and hard work it would not have been a success.

The level of support and help from Plymouth and the southwest has been overwhelming. After this event, it really feels that it is not just myself going on expedition, it is everyone who has helped. Every word of encouragement and advice, every donation and blessing has helped make this project come about. I look forward to the challenges of the future and hope to continue to inspire within schools knowing I have the backing of my local community.

To see more pictures and to order prints of the event, please have a look at “Richard Whites website”:http://www.richwhitephotography.co.uk/