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8 July, 2002
Three New Zealand high school students have won Sanitarium Kiwi scholarships
to visit Bangladesh after demonstrating a passion for helping needy countries
through their support for the World Vision 40 Hour Famine.
Hannah Welch from Huntly College, Simon Taylor from Rosmini College and
Delia Smith from Mahurangi College were chosen from 22 students selected
from "Gold Award" schools - the top 40 Hour Famine fundraising
schools from around the country.
The winners were chosen on the basis of their ability to organise and
promote the Famine within their school and the completion of an essay
entitled: "Lessons I learned from my involvement in the 40 Hour Famine"
The 22 finalists spent four days in Wellington learning about aid and
development, New Zealand foreign policy and child policies. They met with
the minister in charge of overseas aid Matt Robson, children's commissioner
Roger McClay and Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright.
Mr McClay announced the three top scholars at a dinner held in central
Wellington on July 4, following a rigorous interview with a World Vision
and Sanitarium selection panel.
The scholars will travel to Bangladesh in September to see World Vision's
work amongst abandoned Dhaka street children and impoverished rural communities
Simon Taylor said he was speechless when he heard he had won the scholarship.
"I've never been anywhere like it before. I think it will help put
things in perspective in my life. I hope to have the opportunity to tell
other people about the trip when I return to give them a better understanding,
" he said.
Hannah Welch said she expected the trip would challenge her way of life
and way of thinking.
Photo Caption: Sanitarium Kiwi Scholars Simon Taylor, Delia Smith
(back) and Hannah Welch with Roger McClay (second left) and Jeremy Dixon,
Sanitarium Senior Product Manager (Weetbix), and Kim Stirling, Sanitarium
spokesperson (right).
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