My grandmother always used to say, "the greatest gift to receive is the gift of giving." Her kindness and charitable outlook on life has deeply influenced me throughout my childhood and I've constantly felt the need to help those less fortunate.

This summer, I will be joining Raleigh ICS in Tanzania where they have been supporting young entrepreneurs, improving community managed water and sanitation systems and building community resilience since 2013. 

Approximately 75% of Tanzanians live in rural communities. Adequate access to safe water and sanitation is rare, and very few economic opportunities exist for young people.

I am a strong believer in the economy and the impact it can have on individual people in the community. I also believe that sustainable development is the only way we can move forward as mankind and bring the world to a fairer and more equal place to live in and seek opportunites- no matter where you were born. 

Tanzania is one of the world’s poorest countries, yet it also has a rapidly growing economy. With a large population of young people there is a growing need for employment opportunities. 

During my 10 weeks there, I will not only be able to share skills and develop ideas with other young people but also build lasting relationships between communities across the world.

This is a government funded programme; all of my personal costs have been paid for, therefore the money raised is invested in the projects I will be working with.