Caloundra man makes difference around the globe

FOR all of his life, Bernie Kelly has prided himself on bettering the lives of those around him.

Starting close to home running leadership programs in Australian schools, the Caloundra man has now expanded his horizons, taking young people overseas to experience a different way of life.

"As I move to my 50s my goal is to change the stage a bit to bring young people all around the world to developing countries,” he said.

"The act of extraordinary adventure like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and just doing the things other people don't get to do.

"These kind of experiences when the youth of the world share them, no matter the colour of their skin or religious background, it brings them together.”

As well as taking youngsters on these adventures, Bernie encourages them raise money for something bigger than themselves.

In 2009, after achieving a $90,000 fundraising goal, Bernie was able to build the Khagendra New Life Vocational School in Kathmandu, Nepal, for 184 disabled students.

"Thirteen years ago we adopted Khagendra and we visit them twice a year for three days each time,” he said.

"All the participants from Aussie schools that come with us are given the task of raising $1,000 for the school.

"All previous groups who've gone over there have raised $94,000, which was enough for stage one to commence.”

Now Bernie has set his sights on 'stage two', costing $100,000, which will offer six more classrooms and an upper floor for staff facilities.

"Our intention is also to create a room with a 3D printer in it,” he said.

"So prosthetic arms and legs can be printed to the need of physically disabled students.”

"To do that we need another $100,000 - we believe it will be a five year task.”

To help or get involved, visitwww.gofundme.com/ enabling-the-disabled-of- nepal or call 0412982444.