The Great Projects is proud to announce the winner of our 2012 competition in conjunction with Responsible Travel and Toiurism Malaysia, Natalya Welch! She will be off to visit orangutans in Borneo on the 3rd May with her mother on our Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour .
Below is Natalya's response when we told her that she had won:
"Are you really sure that this is not a hoax? Im still in disbelief that I have not only won a competition, but the chance to go on the most amazing adventure to my absolute dream destination with my bestest friend, my mum.
My love of animals, especially of the Ape variety and the chance to visit beautiful Borneo is so very exciting and I cannot wait to don my hiking boots and get there!
So the dreaded Leeches aside, I'm most looking forward to experiencing a way of life that I know so little about, immersing myself in the tribal culture, spending time being a jungle Jane and exploring the rainforests is yet another goal to tick off the wish list.
I feel incredibly fortunate that I will be able to see the magnificent Orangutans in their natural environment, which in the future may so sadly be no more. I'll be sure to keep a grip on my camera as I've heard that Orangutans have a rather cheeky side and fancy themselves as photographers! Camera firmly attached, I'll come home with an array of breathtaking photos to bombard the wonderful people who have made this fabulous trip a possibility with. I cant thank you all enough and will of course be eternally grateful! Is it time to go yet?"
As you can tell Natalya is extremely excited to go and we here at The Great Projects could not be more excited to give someone as enthusiastic and keen to help with our conservation efforts as Natalya, the chance to go to Borneo and fulfill a dream of hers. As all past volunteers will know this trip is very fulfilling and we are sure she will come back with many wonderful life long memories!
We would like to give one final thank you to Responsible Travel and Tourism Malaysia who have helped give everyday people the chance to live with the native Bornean Iban tribes and understand the challenges associated with the conservation of the orangutans!
We look forward to hearing all of your stories upon your return!!
