National Scholarship to Sri Lanka

My name is Regan Tucker, and I am currently a member of Cheriton and Tedburn Young Farmers Club.

I have been a member of Young Farmers since I was 14 years old, with now being 21 I have taken part in many different activities over the years, including being Chairman, secretary and social. I have taken part in almost every activity and event that I can, I like to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things, I believe this pushes me to be a better and more confident individual.

In October I was also lucky enough to take part in the National Young Farmers scholarship to Albania.

I have been incredibly fortunate to be awarded a place on the National Young Farmers Scholarship to Sri Lanka for two weeks of volunteering from the 9th-25th of August 2025. This experience promises to be both humbling and enriching, offering a chance to immerse myself in the culture and farming practices of Sri Lanka while contributing to meaningful projects.

During the first week of the trip, we will be focused on creating a community garden to make a local school’s outdoor space more vibrant and functional for the children. The tasks will include planting seeds and crops, weeding, composting, and harvesting produce, as well as running lessons on sustainability and nutrition to help the students understand the importance of growing their own food. We will also spend time teaching at a local school, supporting the children with their learning, including helping them with the alphabet and organizing arts and crafts sessions. This week will be especially meaningful, as it will offer me the chance to interact with local children, exchange knowledge, and build bonds that go beyond simple volunteering. I anticipate that the joy of seeing their faces light up as they learn and contribute will be a particularly rewarding part of the experience.

The second week will focus on sustainable farming practices, where we will be working alongside local farmers on a plot of land. We will assist with growing some of Sri Lanka’s most popular crops, such as rice, coconuts, and spices, all while learning about organic farming methods. Our tasks will include pest control, crop rotation, caring for livestock, and implementing practices that minimize environmental impact. This week will allow me to deepen my understanding of global farming techniques and discover innovative ways to approach sustainable agriculture. This will give us a wide range of insights into the farming life in Sri Lanka compared to the UK.

After these two weeks of work, we will have the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural heritage during our weekends. I’m particularly excited to visit a local elephant sanctuary, where I’ll have the chance to learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures. The beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, from its tropical rainforests to pristine beaches, will also provide a welcome respite and a chance to experience the country’s diverse natural wonders.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow me to gain not only a deeper insight into the way of life in Sri Lanka but also a fresh perspective on my own work and role as a insurance customer service adviser for the NFU Mutual.

I believe this trip will help me cultivate skills that are crucial for personal and professional growth, such as collaboration, leadership, and fostering effective relationships with people from different backgrounds. The experience will give me the chance to connect with young farmers from across the UK, as well as forge lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals who share my passion for agriculture and community development.

Ultimately, this trip will shape my understanding of global farming practices, deepen my appreciation for the cultures and challenges faced by farmers in different parts of the world, and equip me with new skills that I can bring back to my own community. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to learn, contribute, and grow through this unique experience.

In order to attend, I need to raise a total of £3,150.

To achieve this goal, I will be hosting a quiz at my local pub and undertaking a sponsored walk, both of which are aimed at generating contributions towards this cause. However, I am reaching out to inquire if there might be an opportunity for your organization to assist with a grant that could help further support my efforts.