I was never going to be a marathon runner, and I pretty much can guarantee it would be impossible for me to do a weeks sponsored silence. I am however taking on a year long challenge by going to volunteer for VSO Zambia in February. Rather than sending money or food (which doesn't last forever), VSO send volunteers. I am one of those volunteers.

 

I will be working as a fundraising adviser so to start me off I am fundraising to support VSO and promote their work.

 

Here come some facts:

 

Approximately 64% of Zambia's population are living in poverty, with this figure reaching as high as 78% in some rural areas. The organisation I will be working for help people to set up their own businesses and create jobs for themselves to try and reduce poverty.

 

VSO work in over 30 developing countries like Zambia, with partners like the organisation I will be working for to help people to support themselves and have access to basic services we often take for granted.

 

They reach over 15 million people through improved services in heath, HIV & AIDS, education and secure livelihoods. 

 

With government cuts in international funding VSO need financial support more than ever to keep fighting poverty, By donating  VSO you are helping to support them in sending volunteers like me to share knowledge and skills and work to help even more people living in poverty.