ONE student’s desire to help others is taking her  to Fiji.

Maddy Bunton, 16, is travelling to the island in December to spend two weeks with disadvantaged locals.

Travelling to a village near Pacific Harbour she will be teaching English, renovating buildings and working with children.

The St Patrick’s College year 10 student is working with the volunteer organisation Projects Abroad.

Maddy said she was feeling both excited and anxious about her first trip overseas.

‘‘I have a passion for helping people and I’m really involved in working to conquer poverty,’’ she said.

‘‘I have a strong desire to help others and I thought this project would take that to the next level.

‘‘In the future I want to do a whole year exchange over there.’’

She recently held a garage sale that raised more than $1200, all of which will go directly to the community she will be visiting.

‘‘That money goes directly towards producing clean water, new renovations, new books and education tools,’’ she said.

Maddy’s mother, Melissa Bunton, said the family was excited and anxious for her trip.

‘‘We’re extremely proud of her ethics and that she’s willing to help others,’’ Mrs Bunton said.

‘‘It’s a big adventure at 16 but we couldn’t be more proud.’’

Maddy will spend the two weeks while she’s living in Fiji with a host family.