Jamie Laird, a member of High Cross (United Reformed & Methodist) Church in Wessex Synod, recently returned from an adventure of a lifetime.
With the help of a £500 Children’s and Youth Work grant, Jamie secured a spot as a volunteer with Travelteer, a responsible travel and ethical volunteering company, working on an inspiring marine and wildlife programme in Sri Lanka.
Over the course of seven unforgettable weeks, Jamie, 22, rolled up his sleeves and dove into a variety of meaningful projects. From caring for turtles at a sanctuary to leading beach clean-ups and planting trees, he played a hands-on role in protecting the planet’s incredible natural habitats.
But it wasn’t all about conservation — Jamie also had the chance to teach English to local children, making a real difference in their lives.
“This trip has definitely strengthened my faith in multiple ways,” Jamie said. “Firstly, it’s provided me with a different perspective on life. There were many times where all I could do was stand in awe of the beauty of God’s creation. It’s important that we take time to step back and stand in awe of Him.”
At the sanctuary, Jamie helped feed the turtles and clean the tanks, administered medicine and love and care.
“The tanks are refilled using a pump that draws sea water directly from the ocean and through a network of pipes to the sanctuary. However, the pump only works in good weather conditions, so the smaller tanks were often filled by hand, which involved a lot of running to and from the beach with heavy buckets of water. Some of the turtles are unable to live in the wild so are residents of the sanctuary whereas other turtles need treatment before being released back to the wild. Some of the turtles arrived with barnacles on their backs and needed sand baths.”
Volunteers also helped collect litter from local beaches, with Jamie saying he has a newfound hatred for polystyrene packaging because it breaks down into tiny balls that are near impossible to collect.
Describing his feelings upon his return home, Jamie said: “I want to go out and explore the beautiful world that God created, giving back however I can. I’m reframing the ideas I have of the job and life I want for myself. I don’t know what that will look like, but I know God will guide me.”
Find out what grants and funding opportunities are available through the URC.