Bratton local volunteers for health project in Zambia

A  woman from Bratton will be travelling to Zambia next year with the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to assist on a health project.

In the lead-up to her departure in January, when she will stay in the Serenje district of Zambia for three months, Eleanor Almond is attempting to raise £1,500 for the international charity.

Eleanor said, “Having just finished my A-levels and before embarking on my degree in International studies, it was important to widen my understanding of different cultures. I am excited to tell you that I have been given the fantastic opportunity by VSO, through the International Citizen Service (ICS) youth programme, to volunteer on a health project overseas. This project will take me to the Serenje district of Zambia for three months, starting in January.

“Zambia has a high youth population, with 52.5% of the population being under 18 (2010 census). This group has high unemployment, social and economic poverty, as well as political exclusion. Among these challenges, the youth face health issues, in particular those related to sexual reproductive health. We will be holding workshops across the three months to educate and raise awareness surrounding these issues, creating safe spaces for young people to seek information, as well as participating in community days.

“Prior to my departure, I am fundraising for VSO with a target of £1,500. Fundraising projects I am intending to do include; coffee mornings, bag packing and a charity night. More information can be found on my JustGiving page: www.justgiving .com/fundraising/eleanor- almond. I am also asking for your generous donations to allow VSO to continue supporting volunteers on essential future projects for disadvantaged communities around the world.

“VSO works in 24 countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, working with communities on projects requested by the locals, working to fight poverty through education, healthcare and broadening opportunities. The ICS programme with VSO ensures that volunteers are assigned to projects which match their skills, to generate the greatest value for the community and volunteers alike, to make a real difference.”

To find out more about the ICS programme visit: www.volunteerics.org. To find more about VSO visit: www.vsointernational .org/