A THREE TOWNS teen is trying to raise over £6,000 after being offered the chance to teach children for a year in Central America. 

Lauryn Reid has just been accepted onto the Project Trust’s Honduras Gap Year programme and is heading off to the Spanish-speaking country next autumn, where she will teach either English, Maths or Science.

The 16-year-old has been busy trying to raise £6,200 to cover training, return flights, insurance, accommodation, and living costs. 

Lauryn, who goes to St Matthew’s Academy, said: “The night I found out I got selected, my mum researched it and when I came home she had made me a big Honduran dinner! They eat foods like tortillas with fried beans, cheese and sour cream. I was so excited when I found out that’s what they eat because I love all that food!

“I’ve been fundraising since August. I had a community casino night, a cocktails and cupcake night, and a bake sale at the school. I’ve raised £3,000 so far, which I’m really pleased about because I wanted to be halfway there before my birthday on December 22.

“My friends and family are really, really supportive and pleased for me.

“I can tell my mum’s worried though, but who wouldn’t be if their 17-year-old girl was going so far away for so long? She’s been really good with my fundraising and really supportive. 

Lauryn’s next fundraiser is a shopper lunch in Kirkgate Parish Church on Saturday, December 10 from 11am-2pm. Entry is £2.50 and you can get soup and a sandwich. There will be stalls and a raffle. 

Visit her fundraising page here.