23 Aug 2016

Young Scholarship Holders Onboard Wrangel Island Expeditions

The world belongs to the next generation.  It is beholden upon those of us who can, to ensure that there are future leaders out there with knowledge, passion and commitment.  At Heritage Expeditions we take this task seriously by working with the Enderby Trust to support their scholarship program in the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica.

In Russia this year Heritage Expeditions is sponsoring two young people on its Wrangel Island Arctic Expeditions. One of them is a 12 year old Chukchi boy from the village of Novo-Chaplino.  His name is Vova and we have known him for a number of years.  We have watched him grew up.  He comes from a marine hunting community and has participated in whale and walrus hunts.  It is not surprising then that he views wildlife as a resource to be hunted so it has been interesting to see him travel alongside people from different walks of life and many different countries who view it differently from him.  His practical survival skills are well developed for a boy of his age, he can tie knots, drive boats and work in cold climate better than most people.  On our next expedition we will sponsor a 13 year old Moscow girl - the contrast could not be greater between our two benefactors although it will be equally rewarding.

We have had hugely successful day.  It has just gone 2pm and we have already see 25 Polar Bears already today including  a couple of outstanding encounters.  We are confident there are more encounters to come as we make our way to Dragi Bay.