From February to May 2017 I will be volunteering in Kitwe, Zambia with Challenges Worldwide. Throughout a thirteen-week period I will be co-leading a team of 30 local and British volunteers working with local businesses to aid economic growth in countries hit hardest by poverty.

Poverty and its implications aren’t something that can be ignored. Working to establish sustainable economic growth is essential to beating poverty and this is exactly what Challenges Worldwide are doing.

Challenges Worldwide are an Edinburgh based organization that work in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia.  They aim to provide $5.6 million of sustained economic growth by 2020 positively supporting 300,000 people through the inclusion of supply chain development. Challenges Worldwide are a part of a national scheme called International Citizenship Service (ICS). ICS sends thousands of 18-25 year olds around the world to places most affected by poverty. It is a fantastic opportunity to instill positive change in struggling communities to sustain positive change. To read more visit the ICS and Challenges Worldwide website: www.volunteerics.org www.challengesworldwide.com .

Although the Department of International Development (DFID) funds 90% of the approximate £7000 cost for each volunteer, ICS asks participants to raise a fraction of the cost so that others can also have the ICS experience. My target is £800 by the 31^st January. The money raised will go towards enabling the overall costs of ICS, ensuring they can to continue sending youth volunteers to the developing world to make a lasting difference in disadvantaged communities.

This experience means more to me than I can put into words. To be given the opportunity to not only go out head out and make a change, but to lead others through it at the same time is something I’m over joyed about. I would like, in a small way, to do something which prevents future generations from unnecessary suffering. 

Any contribution could really make a difference to the lives of those suffering the effects of poverty in developing countries. Thank you and don't forget to dig deep!