Since (insert a very long time ago that signifies many years of procrastination) I have wanted to help support projects in less fortunate locations in the world, supporting communities and individuals much less fortunate than me.  But 'want' doesn't always 'get' or, more accurately, doesn't always materialise into 'do'.  Until now...

ICS (International Citizens Service) is a scheme run and funded by DFID (Department of International Development) which encourages young people 18-25 yo to participate in a program of fundraising, preparation, a 12 week overseas placement and continued participation in supporting others on return home via 'Action at Home'.  The scheme also pairs volunteers from the UK with local volunteers from the country of the overseas placement.   

Quick readers will notice that during the years of my procrastination, I have aged beyond 25.  Just.  However, ICS also seeks out Team Leaders to help support the groups of young yolunteers in their projects.  So I have not lied on my application to be classed as 'young' but am indeed one of these Team Leaders. 

VSO is the charity that runs the projects overseas and the whole ICS program. VSO aims to eliminate poverty in the world through providing practical support to communities around the world. 

As of March I will be taking a 3 month sabbatical from work and heading to the tiny community of Samfya in northern Zambia.  The project I am working on focuses on promoting positive sexual and reproductive health in a community and country with above average levles of sexual disease and young girls falling pregnant that in turn places huge pressures on individuals, families and communities and creates barriers for growth.   The project aims to alieviate this issue by providing access and information to the most vulnerable in society, working alongside Zambian medical service, educators, community leaders and religious heads.  The project is an ongoing program of support - VSO has been present here for some time and will continue to be in the future. 

To help support the running of this scheme and the project, I am aiming to raise £1000 before departure in March.  Please support me in any way you can. 

Thank you!     

VSO brings people together to address marginalisation and poverty. Right now, VSO is bringing justice to rape survivors in Pakistan, ending stigma against disabled children in Ethiopia and tackling the youth skills gap in Uganda.Please join me as I take a stand against poverty and support VSO's uniquely effective approach that reached over 1.5 million people last year alone.Read more about this vital work, please visit their website: www.vsointernational.org/fighting-povertyThank you