Headquartered in Reading, England, GAP Activity Projects is a nonprofit organization that arranges gap year activities for young people. In the U.K., the gap year is offered between high school and university. GAP was originated in 1972 by a teacher who knew that some students were eager for overseas experiences and were willing to volunteer for worthwhile work.
GAP relies on adult volunteers for its organization. This year Margaret Powell, from her home in the countryside of west England, accepted the appointment of project manager, Japan. She said: "I believe firmly in the value of this experience for young people. It provides them with a safe environment in a foreign country, practical insights into caring for less fortunate people, and, above all, the opportunity to explore their own capacities for personal growth."
Usually known as Maggie, she is well remembered in Tokyo for her conscientious volunteer work during her two periods of residence here. A graduate of the University of Leicester, where she studied German, she said: "I met David there, as he was also studying German, and we married on my graduation day. I always wanted to travel overseas, and had ambitions to be a lawyer." She began her travels soon after marriage, going with her husband in his American Express posting to live in Hong Kong.
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