WHILE most girls her age are spending their money on makeup and clothes, one local girl is busy raising money to fund her dream.
Fifteen-year-old Shannon Leahy started a gofundme campaign to raise money for her Ugandan Permaculture project.
She originally started the project as part of a home school assignment, and now has plans to travel to Uganda in the future to see fist hand where the money will be spent.
The money raised will go to Ugandan Pearls Inc. is a residential home in the village of Nakiwaate, and is currently home to 26 sponsored children.
“My ultimate goal is to go to Uganda one day and work at the orphanage,” she said.
“The first step is to raise $1000 to buy a bee hive and three days training.”
Shannon has previously volunteered at the RDA and PCYC, and says she hopes to work in the humanitarian sector and with children.
The orphanage is run by family friend and WA woman, Dee Potts, who often comes back to Australia to fundraise for the running costs of the home.
Mother Kirsten Leahy is helping to organise the project and said by introducing permaculture into a community it allows them to be self-sustainable.
“The orphanage needs permaculture to grow their vegetables so I thought it would be great to put time towards the cause,” she said.
“If everyone had a cause, the world would be a much better place.”
The pair are currently selling seedlings at markets, and approaching honey companies who may be able to contribute to the bee-hive project.
Ms Leahy said the next step is to create a video to promote the project and help to spread the word on social media.
“If anyone wants to get involved in the project, especially in producing the video, please get in touch,” she said.
“It’s a good learning experience for young people.”
