Page 15 - December 2017

CADETS SCHEMES
Stavros Marangos, Kia Clemens, Megan Munns and Tiernan Routledge
LFB Fire Cadets have recently returned from their once- in-a-life-time opportunity trip to Nepal
their culture. As a society we take things for granted so it was eye opening to see how other people live. You never truly understand the meaning of beauty and life until you take the time out to explore it.”
LFB Youth Engagement Manager, Sara Perez, says, “The incredible experience that our Fire Cadets were able to have was down to close partnership that we have with Cheshire Fire Cadets and Classrooms in the Clouds . We’d really like to continue to support this amazing charity and offer further life changing opportunities for more of our Fire Cadets in the future.” As for the team, they came back with a new appreciation of the lives they live here in London, and immense pride and determination that LFB Fire Cadets will be able to make a difference to many more children’s lives.
Agnes Wong
London Fire Brigade
Youth Engagement Coordinator Hackney, Newham and Lewisham Units
Three of the London Brigade’s Fire Cadets have recently returned from their once-in- a-life-time opportunity trip to Nepal, which they completed with cadets from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Fire Cadets Megan Munns (17), Tiernan Routledge (18) and Kia Clemens (18) were accompanied by Volunteer Cadet Instructor and Special Operations Group Watch Manager, Stavros Marangos. Their 16 day expedition through Nepal included trekking 135 km through rough terrain in the Himalayas, a flight over Mt. Everest, and exploring the city of Kathmandu.
The key purpose of the trip was to help finish the build of a six classroom school in Kangel, that was being built by the international charity called Classroom in the Clouds. All London Fire Cadet units actively fundraised over the past 12 months to pay for the build of one of the classrooms. “The building of the school has given the children of Kangel and neighbouring villages the opportunity of an education,
a chance to escape poverty, to help their families and to empower the local community”, said Stavros. “We didn’t “just” provide a school. Classrooms In The Clouds also trains and funds the teachers and, crucially, ensures that standards are maintained or improved upon, with regular follow up visits, inspections and training.” Nepal has been a life changing experience that t h e cadets will never forget. For Megan, it was her first journey outside of UK. “The thought of it being so far away made me feel quite anxious. However, a feeling of excitement and calmness filled me as we landed, our eyes lit up and we were stunned by how beautiful Nepal really was
- pictures do not do justice! When we made it into Kangel, where the real hard work and dedication took place, the smile on the children and villagers faces upon our arrival will be something I will always remember. It was touching to see them so overwhelmed.” Kia said “I have learnt a lot about the way other people live and
Follow us on twitter @LondonFire1666 www.flickr.com/photos/wcoff103/ Page 15