The Leprosy Mission New Zealand's Youth Advocate Scholarships enable young adults with a passion for mission to witness our work in Nepal, learn about the causes and consequences of leprosy and raise awareness and funding for Leprosy Mission projects.

Youth Advocates to Nepal 2011 had this to say…
"Amazing trip that has included so much in a short time"

"The complete environment - place, people, experiences have all been perfect"

"The group feels like it has been hand-picked by God"

The 2012 applications process is now open.  Apply here.

Nepal Youth Advocate Field Visit 2013

The itinerary for the Nepal Youth Advocate Field Visit in February 2013 will be confirmed later in the year and will include:

• The leadership of two senior Leprosy Mission Managers (one male, one female)
• A minimum 10 day trip Auckland/Kathmandu/Auckland
• Accomodation at Anandaban Hospital in Kathmandu
• Overview of full hospital activities
  - In & Out patients, physio, labs, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery
• Visits to community based rehabilitation projects in rural Nepal
  - Self-help groups, low-cost housing, micro-enterprise
• An opportunity to get involved in a project
• Time to explore Kathmandu City
• A Trek in the Kathmandu Valley

As a Youth Advocate Scholarship candidate you will need to:

1. Participate in Running 4 Rights (R4R) team.  Find our more.

2. Raise R4R Sponsorship

You are challenged to raise sponsorship of over $500 through Fundraise Online or off-line sponsorship. Find out more

3. Tell Us Who You Are

You are challenged to tell us about your interest in leprosy and how you will learn from a field visit to witness our work in Nepal.  Download the application form for 2012 here.

4. Let Us Get To Know You Better

An Assessment Day will be held in Auckland during early October to bring together all Auckland based Scholarship candidates. This will enable you to find out more about us and for us to find out more about you. Skype/phone interviews will be coordinated for candidates outside the Auckland region. Where possible, we will make personal contact through one of our current Youth Advocates or a member of the LMNZ team who could be in your area.

5. Meet The Application Criteria

• Full time tertiary student in 2013
• Under 24 years old on 31/12/2012
• Year 13 students in 2012 can apply (parental consent for under 18 yrs old)
• Not in full-time employment
• R4R participation and sponsorship
• Ability to obtain a valid passport and Visa for Nepal
• Good general health for travelling and trekking in Nepal
  • Availability for the Nepal field trip in early February 2013
  • A sound understanding and enthusiasm for the mission and core values of Leprosy Mission New Zealand
  • Commit to raising awareness and funding for Leprosy Mission Nepal projects in the 12 month period following the Nepal field visit. This will be your primary mission focus for that year.

Youth Advocate Scholarship Recipients

You will be advised of the Youth Advocate Scholarship awards by 12 November 2012. The Youth Advocate Scholarship includes:

• Fully paid flights (Auckland/Kathmandu/Auckland)
• Overseas accommodation
• Meals
• Internal transport in Nepal

Scholarship winners are responsible for:

• Passport
• Nepal Visa (obtainable in Nepal)
• Travel to and from Auckland Airport
• Travel insurance
• Discretionary spending money
• Vaccinations and medication

Do you need answers to your questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

For the Youth Advocate Scholarship application form click here.

Full information on how to register for the R4R team can be found here

Full information on the Auckland Marathon www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz

Full information on other event options http://www.events.nz.com/marathons-fun-runs-walks

To find out more about the Youth Advocate Programme for 2012 please contact Gillian Whitley on (09) 631 1806 or 021 537 356 (txt questions welcome) or email her here.

You can also join us on Facebook

Read more about our 2011 Advocates