My £800 target isn't to help me go to South Africa as the program is Government funded, it means that other young people in the UK and overseas have the same opportunity as me and can help to fight poverty! 

Volunteering abroad is something I have always wanted to do and to have been accepted on the ICS program is one of my biggest achievements so far.

I have the opportunity to help make a difference to somebodies life who has less opportunity than we do in the UK and I want to use it to the best of my ability. 

I will be going to Joza in Grahamstown, South Africa in early June this year. Before I go I have a £800 fundraising target to get to. So I really need your help!

On my 10 week placement I will be taking part in a project called Upstart which was established in 2008. The project aims to educate young people in Grahamstown about the importance of hygiene and sanitation with regards to the helminthic infection (worms) which is present in the local community as high levels of poverty and a lack of sanitation are common. 

When the 10 of us UK volunteers arrive in South Africa we will meet the 10 South African volunteers and be paired with them. During my placement I will be living with a host family and one of the in country volunteers so I will really be able to experience the culture as we'll be living in the community. 

To find out more about the project and work which past volunteers have done visit:

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.