How a Dollar Academy Travel Scholarship Opened the Door to Volunteering in Sri Lanka The Chapman/Buist Travel Scholarship is an annual prize awarded to Form VI Dollar Academy pupils who have a vision for the future and an interest in understanding and experiencing other cultures to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities they face. In 2023, Mia Reid-Thomas (Former Pupil 2022) had the life-changing opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka and volunteer at an orphanage in the coastal town of Ambalangoda. This experience, made possible through the Chapman/Buist Travel Scholarship, not only allowed her to support children in need but also deepened her understanding of a different culture and helped her grow in confidence and adaptability.
“I was inspired to apply for this travel prize after hearing friends share their experiences from similar volunteering programmes,” she explained. “Their stories were incredibly motivating, and I knew I wanted to embark on a journey that would allow 1 me to make a meaningful impact while immersing myself in a new culture.”