Mosgiel resident Sgt Andrews (18) has been a member of the Dunedin Cadet Unit, based at the city's Kensington Army Hall, for the past three years.
She was recently selected as one of 10 army cadet representatives from throughout New Zealand to attend a big 10-day ''Singapore Exchange'' gathering, in Singapore, late next month.
This event is organised by Singapore's National Cadet Corps and will involve more than a thousand army cadets, including overseas representatives.
She had previously faced challenges with dyslexia, and her involvement with cadets had proved positive, boosting her self-confidence and leadership skills.
''Cadets has been something that has been really been good for me,'' she said.
This year she and her mother, Michelle Andrews, have been concentrating on raising the $2500 needed to take part in the Singapore event.
''We have been working hard for a few months now.''
The Mosgiel RSA had provided positive support, providing her with a part-time job and encouraging members to support her fundraising activities at the RSA rooms.
And several RSA members had also helped out by making personal donations, she said.
''The support has been fantastic. They've been really great in supporting me. It's made a huge difference.''
About two-thirds of the money had already been raised.
More hard work remained but the RSA backing had taken a lot of the pressure off and she was looking forward to being able to make her first overseas trip, she said.
Mosgiel RSA president Noel Graham said Cadet Sgt Andrews was a sincere and respectful person.
Cadets had been playing a positive role in her life and the Mosgiel RSA was pleased to support her.
