Alex Wain, a final year Art History student, recently organised and completed a successful mission to Guyana to build an eco-tourist camp in a remote village and conduct adventurous training in the local area under the watchful eye of indigenous guides.
Prior to commencing his studies at the University of Nottingham, Alex spent a year teaching in Sandy Creek – an indigenous village of Guyana. During his time in Sandy Creek, Alex observed that the indigenous way of life in such villages was threatened by unemployment and the immigration of their young people. Additionally, the external threat from mining and deforestation threatens the villages’ autonomy and way of life.
As a member of the East Midlands University Air Squadron (EMUAS), Alex managed to secure funding from the Paul Bowen Award, along with further donations from the Ulysses Trust, EMUAS and the RAF. Alex raised enough money to lead an expedition of nine other students to Guyana, where they built an eco-tourist camp for the village, providing its people with a source of income and a way to maintain their indigenous way of life. Furthermore, they were able to successfully conduct a number of treks, practicing their navigation through the dense jungle.
Taking with them all the equipment they needed to survive several weeks in the jungle, Alex’s team soon discovered that they were organising the first ever UK military exercise in Guyana. While onsite they received training in lighting fires, hunting with a bow and arrow, and spotting dangerous snakes and spiders.
Working with the men of the village, the team helped to build an eco-tourist camp out of sustainable, locally sourced materials. The facility now consists of a large sleeping area with space for 20 hammocks, a kitchen area, and toilets. The team also left behind funds and materials for outbuildings and a river jetty.
The village is already receiving expeditions.
Posted on Tuesday 7th August 2018