We are seeking enthusiastic young people to become advocates for the vital work we do with leprosy-affected individuals and their families.

Does this sound like you?

A group of young people will be selected to visit Nepal in 2011 to see the Leprosy Mission in action, and learn about the medical, social and psychological impacts of the disease. Upon their return, the participants will become active Youth Advocates in their own communities.

If you are interested in taking part and becoming a Youth Advocate you can apply for a Youth Advocate Scholarship (application forms can be found at the bottom of this page).

You will need to:

Participate in Running 4 Rights 2010

The Leprosy Mission participates in the Auckland Marathon event with the Running 4 Rights Team to raise awareness and project funding for individuals and families affected by leprosy. As well as participating in the marathon, you will be challenged to raise $500 using Fundraise Online.

The Auckland Marathon is on Sunday 31^st October 2010 and includes the following events:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• Quarter Marathon
• 5km walk and run

Tell Us Who You Are

You are challenged to tell us about yourself, your interest in leprosy, and how you will learn from the trip to Nepal. A Youth Advocate Scholarship application pack, including the format for 'Tell Us Who You Are', will be sent to you once you have registered with the Running 4 Rights Team.

Participate in an Assessment Day

An assessment day will be held in Auckland during September / October to bring together all scholarship candidates. This will enable you to find out more about us and for us to find out more about you!

Meet the Application Criteria

• Year 13 student in 2010
• Gain parental consent for Year 13 students
• Full time tertiary student in 2010
• Under 24 years old on 31/12/2010
• Not in full-time employment
• Ability to obtain a valid passport and Visa's for Nepal.
• Good general health for travelling and trekking in Nepal.
• Availability for the Nepal field trip in February 2011
• A sound understanding and enthusiasm for the mission and core values of the Leprosy Mission New Zealand
• Commit to a minimum of 10 speaking engagements in the 12 month period following the Nepal field visit

Youth Advocate Scholarships

You will be advised of the Youth Advocate Scholarship awards by 12^th November 2010.

The Youth Advocate Scholarship includes:

• Fully paid flights (Auckland/Kathmandu/Auckland),
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Internal transport in Nepal

Scholarship winners are responsible for:

• Passports and visa for Nepal
• Travel to and from Auckland Airport
• Travel insurance
• Discretionary spending money
• Vaccinations and medication

Nepal Youth Advocate Field Visit 2011

The itinerary for the Nepal Youth Advocate Field Visit 2010 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 from Auckland / Nepal / Auckland
• Visit to Anandaban Hospital in Kathmandu
• Visit to community based rehabilitation projects in rural Nepal
• Time to explore Kathmandu City
• A Trek out of Kathmandu

Application Forms

You can download a PDF of the application form here and post it to us at:
Leprosy Mission New Zealand, P.O. Box 10-227, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446.

For further information on how to apply contact Gillian Whitley on (09) 631 1806 or email her at gillian.whitley@leprosymission.org.nz