Hello

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

I have been offered a place on the VSO International Citizen Service Programme. VSO is a renowned charity that seeks to alleviate suffering and address poverty in poor communities in Africa and Asia. VSO is one of six agencies selected by the British Government to recruit volunteers aged 18-25 to undertake International Citizen Service, a three month overseas placement with an international development organisation. 

I have been offered a placement in Kenya, commencing in January 2013. During this period, I will live with a host family. I will work alongside local, national and international organisations and explore the issue of climate change, with the view to helping develop strategies to mitigate its effects. Climate change has a devastating impact on poor communities in developing countries. It has the capacity to exacerbate food and water shortages and destroy livelihoods and homes. 

In order to undertake this placement with VSO, I need to raise £800 by the 1st January 2013. This fundraising target is not intended to contribute to the cost of my participation (which is funded by the Department for International Development), but instead is designed to encourage me to raise awareness about global poverty and inequality and generate support for fantastic charities like VSO. In order to inspire you to donate, I would like to encourage you to read a powerful and moving story about a disabled Rwandan girl called Sifa whose life was transformed thanks to the efforts of a VSO volunteer: 

http://www.vso.org.uk/story/28906/new-found-hope%3A-antonia-eastman-in-rwanda

I would really appreciate your support. I wish to use my knowledge and skills to make a positive difference to society, and improve the lives of poor, marginalised and vulnerable groups. I believe this VSO ICS placement offers me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge about global poverty and inequality and gain valuable work experience that simultaneously benefits others and dramatically enhances my employment prospects. Please make a donation. If you make a donation, you can help transform my life and enable the charity VSO to continue in its efforts to transform the lives of disadvantaged groups around the world. 

Thank you 

Laura