Hey guys thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. As most of you are aware in January 2010 I am off to Sub-Saharan Africa to embark on a development programme with the charity, SPW.

What I'm doing

I will be based in a rural community in Zambia where I will be volunteering as a Health Educator Peer. Here are some of the things that I will be getting up to:

-Teach timetabled, structured lessons for grades 5-12 covering topics such as teenage pregnancy, STIs, HIV and AIDS
-Utilise nonformal and interactive techniques to develop life skills such as communication, assertiveness, and self-esteem
-Organise sports, performing arts, and Youth Clubs with HIV and AIDS related themes
-Improve access to informative materials by developing or establishing youth resource centres
-Organise and run awareness-raising events in cooperation with local government and health professionals and teachers

Why Zambia?

Zambia is one of the poorest nations in the world. With 1 in 5 people infected, Zambia is disproportionately affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections, multiple sexual relationships, low condom use, cultural practices, gender inequality and poverty have all contributed to the increasing numbers of people affected by HIV and AIDS.

Following a feasibility study, Barbara Chilangwa, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, invited SPW to set up a programme in Zambia in January 2004. SPW is now working in full collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the District Education Board Secretaries and other stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that the SPW Zambia programme is replicated and integrated as a deliberate policy in the Ministry's fight against HIV and AIDS.

For more information please visit www.spw.org

SPW programmes work to empower and educate young people across the globe so your sponsership really does help to make a difference!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Students Partnership Worldwide gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!