So. I’ve decided to spend my Christmas holiday doing something completely different but equally festive. I’m off to volunteer in Jamaica! and I’ll be on two key placements...

The first is a Human & Civil rights project. One of the quickest ways to see the poverty in Jamaica is to take a quick trip around the capital of Kingston and other areas outside the city. Houses are built from zinc, cheap materials and are lego style shacks with roofs missing. Living in these disadvantaged communities breed crime and hopelessness. Volunteers are needed to help raise awareness to these at risk groups. My main concern is that before the hurricane, life was already difficult and on its way past the island it left a lot more devastation. In light of this, I want to assist a human right's charity with some much needed administration, take part in community outreach programmes and most importantly give ‘time’ to those who feel discouraged all year round.

My second placement will involve some teaching with orphanage volunteering. I’ll help prepare social activities for young children, who are living in challenging circumstances and need a reason to stay positive during the Christmas period. There are also many children who attend underfunded schools and need lots of supplies. Parents pay for schooling so it is only available if parents can afford to send their children to school. Even if it is for a short time, my ambition is to motivate the 'young ones' and give them a reason to look forward to another year.

With a little bit of your help I can go to Jamaica ‘bearing gifts’ that will go straight to the individuals who need it. I aim to:
• Buy supplies for those affected by hurricane Matthew.
• Provide stationary, books and Christmas decorations for local schools.
• Purchase an extra suitcase so I can take everything I receive from the UK.