Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 22/02) - Kyle Bussell is heading to a new world -- one where conditions are much less comfortable than here in Canada.

He will join the ranks of many participants in the Youth Challenge International program who are destined for a Third World country.

Once there, they will begin relief efforts that are hoped to pave the way towards future development.

Bussell will arrive in Costa Rica on Dec. 1 with youths between 18 and 30 years of age hailing from countries like Canada and Australia.

It will be the start of his 10-week adventure overseas.

Once there Bussell said the youths will combine resources to assist in a variety of projects.

"We're involved in health care, building aqueducts, national park preservation, education on safe water, HIV prevention and providing basic eye surgery," said Bussell. Each participant is expected to raise $3,500 and engage in language training before their trip.

Bussell said he is looking forward to the experience.

"I've always been interested in community building in Third World counties.

"I've always had an interest in travel. This combines the best of both worlds," he said.

Bussell doesn't have any dream of saving the world.

He just wants to do his part.

"A lot of people go thinking they are saving the world. I'm just going in working step by step and starting a process," he said.

The goal of the relief effort is to teach residents of Third World nations how to make the best of resources and help themselves.

The experience will also help the community of Yellowknife.

When Bussell returns home he is expected to put in 100 hours of volunteer service.