Located in West Africa, Ghana is filled with vibrant tribal cultures, a rich history and enchanting music. Its encapsulating beauty enticed me at once and I am extremely excited to be have the opportunity to help those who need it in such a beautiful country.

We will be visiting the Fairtrade NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) 'Global Mama's', which helps Ghanaian women to become financially independent, therefore letting them support their families, send their children to school and improve their health. They do this by producing and selling high-quality, handcrafted products such as traditional apparel, accessories, home décor, jewellery, ornaments and shea butter. During this visit, we will learn about the challenges and successes of running these kinds of projects and I aim to use this experience to help me in the future when I hope to volunteer in similar organisations.

In addition to this, we will also be visiting the Sabre Trust (which creates brighter futures for school children), the Kuapa Kokoo Cocoa Cooperative, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and a Fairtrade banana cooperative.

My first start at fundraising was designing Christmas cards. I now need to gain sponsorship for their printing, and will then sell packs of these cards locally, similar to the way that all in 'Global Mama's' create and sell their wares.

The next element of my fundraising will be completing the three peaks in three days challenge. This is where I will climb the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales: Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon within three days. I will do this in May 2017, so it would be greatly appreciated if you would kindly sponsor me and donate.

Between these dates, we will also be doing many more fundraising activities, including a 5K colour run, bag packing and clothes collections.
Please use this opportunity to sponsor me and invest in a young person hoping to gain experience in volunteering.