THE RISING FOUNDATION
South America - september 2026
In September, four adventurous young men journeyed to the heart of South America, exploring the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert and the mysterious moai of Easter Island. This was more than a travel experience – it was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Supported by the Celestielle Charitable Trust, the group participated in the Giving Back & Fundraising Scholarship, which included supporting a local school and a community organisation partnered with Explora. Past contributions have funded solar panels, classroom desks and shoes for children in need, and every dollar raised continues to make a tangible difference.
This initiative builds on the success of previous expeditions. In January 2025, students ventured to Kenya with The Rising Foundation and Great Plains Conservation, raising funds through initiatives like Pack for a Purpose, which encourages travellers to carry essential supplies for local communities.
By combining exploration with philanthropy, this journey offered more than memories – it fostered a spirit of leadership, compassion and global awareness. For the four students, the landscapes and communities of South America provided both a classroom and inspiration, proving that travel can change the world, one thoughtful action at a time.
FUNDRAISING
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
What a journey it was! Being given the opportunity to travel across the world to Chile, South America, is something I never imagined I’d experience in my lifetime. Going from being a young Tongan growing up in New Zealand to exploring a whole new country, surrounded by different cultures, people and experiences, was truly a blessing.
Beyond the sightseeing and adventures, this trip taught me lessons that go far beyond travelling. Visiting the schools in Atacama and Rapa Nui gave me a different perspective on life. It reminded me not to take the things I have for granted, whether that’s the opportunities available to me, the people around me or the simple things I sometimes overlook. Meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing how they live opened my eyes to how much there is to learn from others. It also made me realise that travelling isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about understanding different ways of life, appreciating what you have and recognising the importance of giving back whenever you can.
This experience has reminded me to stay humble, appreciate the blessings in front of me, love my family a little louder and never stop exploring the beautiful world God has created. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me for the rest of my life, and I pray that one day I can use what I’ve gained from this journey to bless others in return.
Sky
I learned that travelling is about more than sightseeing. It is also about understanding different cultures, listening to people's stories and recognising the importance of preserving traditions. Looking back, Santiago, Atacama and Easter Island each gave me a different perspective. Santiago helped me appreciate Chilean city life, food and family connections. Atacama introduced me to extraordinary landscapes and meaningful community experiences, while Easter Island deepened my understanding of history, culture and the importance of preserving traditions.
Ultimately, this trip was much more than an opportunity to visit new places. It allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, learn about different cultures and create memories that I will carry with me for years to come. I returned home with a greater appreciation for the world around me and the people who made this journey so memorable.
Mo’ui
My favourite moments of the trip were meeting the children from Atacama and Easter Island and spending time with them and their teachers. I loved that we were given the opportunity to share our blessings with people in need. One main lesson I’ve taken from Chile is to be grateful and appreciate what I already have.
I met many amazing people in Chile who made our trip unforgettable, most notably the children, our tour guides who took us around Santiago, Atacama and Easter Island, and the locals we met throughout our journey.
Moving forward, I am determined to keep that sense of gratitude alive in my everyday life, continue supporting causes greater than myself and use this experience to inspire others in our community to give back.
Floyd
This trip was a life-changing experience. From the new friends we made along the way, I can say that going to Chile was a really humbling experience for me, especially when visiting the schools in both Atacama and Easter Island. It made me realise that I shouldn’t take things for granted and that I should appreciate what I have right in front of me.
I can also say that Chile has made me look at life in a whole different way. Atacama made me humble myself, and Easter Island made me want to explore the world more. So, if there’s something I can take away from this once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s probably to be humble, appreciate the things I already have and explore the world, for the world is a beautiful place.
Gordon
HOST REFLECTION
The truth is that we were the ones who received the gift. Your young people arrived on the island with their eyes wide open and their hearts ready to embrace the experience, and that is something you can see and feel. It is truly contagious.
We will never forget the visit to the Language School. Seeing your young people and our children laughing, singing and dancing together, with neither language nor distance mattering, was one of those moments that reminds us why all our work is worthwhile.
Knowing, too, that behind this trip were months of hard work by the young people themselves, raising funds for children they had not even met yet, moves us deeply. It speaks volumes about who they are and the people they will become.
Come back whenever you wish. This is your home.
Māuru-uru
Matias
THE RISING FOUNDATION CIRCULAR
