With only weeks to go, three Kiwi women are gearing up for the trip of a lifetime. Heather Simpson, Helen Chapman and Vivianne Flintoff are preparing to embark on a unique 19-day trek through the Himalayas, which includes visits to UNICEF  projects in Nepal.

The UNICEF NZ Sherpa Everest Trek is an opportunity for adventurous New Zealanders to set foot in the mountainous region of Nepal and experience first-hand what UNICEF NZ does for children across the globe,

Helen, from Wellington, says of the trip, “Nepal is a beautiful and unique place. I’m thrilled the Sherpa Everest Trek will allow me to experience its culture and engage with its people, in a way that minimises my impact on the environment.”

At the opportunity to visit UNICEF’s projects, Thames local Heather says, “I just leapt at the chance. Children are our future, and it’s a wicked world that doesn’t want to put children first. I’m with whoever puts children first, and that’s why I support UNICEF.”

One of the projects the intrepid trio will visit is ‘The Urban Out of School Programme’ which gives children aged between 10 and 14 the chance to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as valuable life skills. Child labourers and street children are amongst the children being given this life-changing opportunity to take part in the programme.

As an former school guidance counsellor, Hamilton resident Vivianne adds, “I believe helping to educate children in their own cultural context is a strong way forward to peace in the world, I am very glad of the opportunity to support such vital work.”

Ellen Voller, Donor Marketing Manager at UNICEF NZ, said “We are so pleased to be offering this unique opportunity to New Zealanders to see ‘behind the scenes’ at a selection of UNICEF projects. Funds raised from this trip will go directly towards ’The Urban Out of School Programme’ that Heather, Helen and Vivianne will be visiting”

UNICEF NZ has partnered with world leading adventure travel company, World Expeditions, to offer this remarkable trip of a lifetime. The challenge to trek high in the Himalayan Mountains will help raise funds for UNICEF supported projects in Nepal.

Watch this space to find out how Heather, Helen and Vivianne get on in Nepal

Find out more about about future UNICEF treks or other World Expeditions packages