Hello! 

In June 2016, I will be volunteering for twelve weeks in Ghana, Zambia or Uganda as part of International Citizen service (ICS) a programme run by the Department for International Development. The project is centered on economic development, working with host country volunteers to support entrepreneurs and enterprises grow their businesses to generate income and sustainable economic growth to alleviate poverty.

Why am I doing this? I have been involved in different types of volunteering nationally including for the Red Cross and my local Trussell Trust Food Bank and this placement is a great opportunity to progress to international volunteering with a trusted organisation and a cause I am passionate about. ICS guarantees a properly structured, government funded programme working only with communities that have specifically requested help in certain areas. All volunteers receive high-quality training, allowing them to make an effective contribution during their placement and understand how this fits into a wider programme of development work. It also aims to inspire young people in the UK and overseas to become active citizens who are passionate about long term community development.

What is the aim? My target is to raise £800 which will enable ICS to continue sending youth volunteers from all backgrounds to the developing world to make a sustainable difference in disadvantaged communities. My plan is to hold cake stalls, garage sales, do some bucket fundraising, a host-country themed dinner party, a sponsored 'live below the line' as well as other bits and bobs. You can keep track of how I get on here on my Justgiving page. Any contribution from you will make a real difference to the lives of people in developing countries, so please dig deep!

For more information about the placement please watch this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e5vnyV2EzA&feature=youtu.be&iframe=true&width=100%&height=100%

Thank you for your support!