I have recently been accepted to volunteer in Nepal with Raleigh International through the ICS programme (International Citizen Service). I will be volunteering on their WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and livelihoods programme for ten weeks from October 5th to December 19th. Information regarding the programme is below or can be found in more detail on their website: https://raleighinternational.org/ . My place is already funded but part of my placement agrees that I fundraise for the project (none of the funds go towards my placement, they go purely towards the project itself). I will be holding a number of fundraising events. However if anyone feels able to donate any amount, no matter how small, then this will go towards an excellent cause.

Whilst in Nepal I will work alongside young women and men from the local community to inspire behaviour change. I will be helping to achieve global goals; 1 (no poverty), 4 (quality education),  6 (clean water and sanitation) and 8 (decent work and economic growth).

- For the WASH programme I will help in activities such as; carrying out needs assessments to identify barriers to behaviour change; deliver awareness days; establish tooth brushing clubs and carrying out tippy-tap demonstrations. We will also support the construction of simple solutions to a lack of safe water and sanitation facilities such as gravity fed water systems, water source protection and the eco-latrines.

- For the livelihoods programme I will help young entrepreneurs develop their business plans, access finance, link up with mentors and start running their businesses. Access to education is key to the empowerment of young people. I will potentially help in Early Childhood Development centres for rural communities, constructing pre-primary education facilities for up to 130 vulnerable children.

'Every year, two million people die because of unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). In rural areas, women and girls often bear the burden of collecting water, spending their time walking long distances to reach unsafe water sources, instead of attending school or making a living. Access to safe water and sanitation, along with good hygiene practice, is crucial to reducing disease and poverty, and ultimately saves lives.' - Raleigh International regarding their WASH programme.

'Young people face large scale, complex challenges to finding productive work and employment. Globally, 600 million young people are unemployed or not in education or training. This figure is set to grow. Young people often lack the skills and experience that are essential in the workplace. They have difficulty accessing capital and credit, information and business networks. In rural areas, employment opportunities are often low skilled, low waged and unstable. They also depend heavily on natural resources and the environment, which will be increasingly exposed to climate related shocks.' - Raleigh International regarding their livelihood programme.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.