Six Cromwell teenagers have a new outlook on New Zealand life after a month of trekking in Nepal at up to 5500m in altitude and giving aid to a local school.
At 7pm next Tuesday in the Cromwell College auditorium, the pupils will show photos and videos recounting their travels for a gold-coin entry to be donated to the school.
From September 4 to October 9, the group trekked the Everest region accompanied by five adult family members, Cromwell mountaineer Kim Logan and eight locals, who helped with guiding and carrying equipment.
The idea came in March 2014 from a group of Cromwell parents who wanted to physically challenge the children, instil in them organisational skills and teach them the value of charity.
Their departure was scheduled for early May but was delayed when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated the country on April 25, killing 9000 people and injuring a further 23,000.
Volunteer parent Sean Guildford said after discussions following the tragedy, the trip was postponed until September.
Before the earthquake the group had raised about $3000, but afterwards they ramped up their efforts and raised about $30,000, he said.
''The generosity of Central Otago people and further afield has meant the teenagers have made a real difference to the lives of those in Phortse,'' he said.
Upon arriving, they spent four days trekking to the small 3840m-high village of Phortse and donated about $12,250, three large tents and some tarpaulins to its primary school.
The Cromwell pupils provided a taste of New Zealand culture by performing a haka and singing the national anthem and Maori songs, including Tutira Mai Nga Iwi.
After leaving Phortse, they continued trekking, reaching heights of 5500m and visiting Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes.
''By day two we were above the summit of Mt Cook,'' Mr Guildford said.
The residents were ''extremely resilient'', he said.
''It's a tough environment. Most of the supplies have to be carried in from Kathmandu.''
Kate Guildford (18) said seeing the cracked buildings in Phortse was ''heartbreaking''.
The trip gave her new appreciation for life back in New Zealand.
''The children had so little but they were still so grateful for what they had.''
The trekking altitude was challenging, she said.
''It was so physical that it would affect you mentally, as well as physically.
''It was hard also not having things you were used to, like good hygiene.''
Nine Cromwell pupils embarked on a similar journey in 2013.
