GapAid is a newly formed charity addressing some of the issues related to the fast-growing gap year experience that is becoming a rite of passage for so many young people.
We feel that if people are better prepared and are aware of the potential dangers and how to deal with them their travelling experience will not only be a safer one, but if something does go wrong they will be more likely to know how to deal with it. We also hope to provide access to support and advice in partnership with organisations and government agencies. The importance of planning includes ensuring that gappers have appropriate insurance, medical cover and financial planning.
Our primary aim is to provide a dynamic website that will become an independent portal to provide information for anyone travelling abroad; be it information on how to prepare adequately for their trip or the most relevant up to date information on local issues in destination.
The original idea was formed after Ian and Pat French suffered the loss of their youngest daughter Georgia who was travelling in Peru in March 2007. The trauma of losing their daughter allied to the issues which became apparent as they dealt with the tragedy were followed by a number of conversations with affected families and gappers who had also experienced problems travelling.
In order for us to establish and maintain our key objectives we desperately need your support and donations, whether as individuals, businesses or other agencies, so that we will be able to achieve our goals. Our immediate objectives are:-
* Building the technical and administration infrastructure * Create a useful website portal * Set up helplines to provide appropriate advice * Build partnerships and gain influence with Government and other stakeholders in the gap travel industry
