Henry Isherwood, 9, nominated for Pride of Australia medal for fundraising efforts in support of Lotus Outreach Australia

WHEN nine-year-old Henry Isherwood found out children in Cambodia could not afford to go to school or own a bike, he knew what to do.

WHEN nine-year-old Henry Isherwood found out children in Cambodia could not afford to go to school or own a bike, he knew what to do.

It costs just $350 to send a Cambodian girl to school for a year, and just $60 for her to have a bike to ride.

The Year 4 student from Queenscliff, on Sydney’s northern beaches, told mum Victoria he wanted to help.

He decided to raise money for Lotus Outreach Australia — a non-profit organisation that fights child labour in South-East Asia by giving children an education.

By getting friends and family to donate, he has ­already raised $1200 — enough to send three girls to school for a year, and get them a bike to ride the long distance to get there.

“I really want them to have a nice life like us — it makes me happy to do this for the girls,” Henry said.

“Australia is a lucky country because not as much bad stuff happens, which makes me feel safe, so I want to raise money so the girls can have a better life too.”

Henry’s determination has resulted in him being nominated for The Daily Telegraph’s Pride of ­Australia Young Leader Medal by Lotus Outreach Australia’s executive ­director, Heather Brand.

“Henry attends Manly West Public School and is hoping through his ­campaign to his friends and family that he can raise awareness about ­preventing child labour and trafficking through education in one of Australia’s closest neighbours, Cambodia,” Ms Brand said.

“He heard that educating girls has a multiplier ­effect and increases ­advancement of development for all.

“He had a small target of raising $350 to put one girl through school for one year on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

“When he found out that it only costs $350 to put a girl through school for one year, and that $60 buys a bicycle so a girl can travel safely the long distances to school, he realised that these were things Australian kids take for granted, and was moved enough to become the youngest ­fundraiser for Lotus ­Outreach Australia yet.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Henry.”