“Trekforce has taken me on a journey that has been an unforgettable one. I have had previous travel experiences but it was different this time, I was involved in a sustainable conservation project in the jungle that was unique to the world. It’s amazing what a group of people can achieve when they put their minds to it."
Nina Earl-Gray

Ste Smith joined Trekforce in Belize for a second time to take part in another worthwhile project.
"My initial thoughts and hopes that it would still be the same good old Trekforce have been well and truly substantiated. Returning to Belize with Trekforce has been a dream for me for several years now, and now it's happening it's almost unbelievable"

"[In the school I taught in there was a] 6yr-old boy. Chemical imbalance in his brain. Severe learning disabilities. Severe speech problems. 2 months with a Trekforce volunteer. He's now counting to 10 and going to school regularly. Tell me that's not making a difference."
Ste Smith, 2001 & 2007

"2km boardwalk, aiding the establishment of sustainable ecotourism and effective patrolling of a reserve unique in Belize - the only sure-fire way of maintaining the local Mayan community and their lagoon system home to much of Belize's wildlife. It was the hardest physical and mental challenge that I've ever undertaken, life-long soul mates were made, but most importantly, I have the knowledge that wherever I am in the world whether it be independently travelling or at university etc. I know that my blood sweat and tears went in to a wholeheartedly worthwhile project that is still out there, doing some good in the world, which, going by stories in today's news full of conflict and murder, is surely something to hold close to ones heart and be proud of.

I'm proud of everyone who took part in my project and those who've done similar work before and since, because unlike some, we do work for the good of the planet and its people. I've experienced both independent travel and travel with an organisation to carry out a dedicated project: I know which one I'd jump at the chance to do again, travelling with a purpose, it's the way forward!"
Issy Jones, 2005

"In reference to the Times article 'Gap-year students told to forget aid projects' I think it is obvious students deciding to take a gap year should be careful when choosing a project. However, when picking the correct one the projects can be extremely worthwhile in areas where the local communities are pleased with any help they can get.  I researched them thoroughly. They offer challenging, but more importantly worthwhile work.

It's not about going to some under-privileged country and sitting on your ass, its hard graft and I certainly didn't do it to make me feel better about myself. The area where we went to work was suffering from a lack of tourism where there were many attractive natural features. With the decline of tourism due to lack of facilities it was looking like more rainforest would be cut down to bring money into the area.

Trekforce is mainly about protecting the rainforest and fragile environments. With the support of the Local Forestry department we cleared nature trails, repaired and renewed nature trail signs and built two flushing toilet blocks where there were otherwise 'long drops'.

The locals were pleased to be working alongside us, learning about our culture and us learning about theirs. They were also impressed at our willingness to work hard. I am not saying that the whole time I spent there was purely working for the local community; I also completed a 180 mile, 5 day canoe whilst another group completed a challenging trek through the jungle, carrying all their own food and water.

Too add to this we threw parties - often fancy dress for birthdays. At the end of project the local community thanked us for our work and held a BBQ in our honour. It makes me angry when I hear other groups with other companies didn't get up until 11 and their days consisted of knocking down dilapidated beach huts - spending most of their time sunbathing on the beach. If you research and pick the right project carefully, your experience will be worthwhile but don't choose without research because you could be landed with a company more interested in money than the project."
Harry Harris, 2007