In September I am being sent to Zanzibar, an Island off the coast of Tanzania for a 10 week voluntary work placement through International Citizen Service (ICS) and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).

To many (including myself) the name Zanzibar initially conjures up images of pristine white sandy beaches, palm trees and bright turquoise sea. Because of this, tourism is a big industry on the island and this is what most westerners know it for. However, as with many developing countries, the economic benefits tourism brings is largely isolated, with much of the revenue staying within the many luxurious all-inclusive resorts . Zanzibar is in fact very poor, with over 1/3 of the 1.3 million people without access to drinking water and an average life expectancy of just 57. 

I will be working on a project with a local NGO that deals with youth and employability. At present, the youth unemployment rate stands at 17%. VSO aim to reduce this by improving links between private sector and youths looking for entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

VSO is a fantastic organisation and I know that not only will I be making a positive impact on the community in which I will be working, but it will be an unforgettable and hugely rewarding experience for me. 

On the 2nd of August, along with a few friends, I will be attempting the 3 Peaks Challenge and attempt to climb England, Scotland and Wales' highest mountains all in under 24 hours. We will start at 5pm at the base of Ben Nevis, then drive through the night down to Scaffold Pike and finally down to Snowdon where we hope to be at the summit before 5pm on the 3rd. 

Any donations would be greatly appreciated to help me reach my £800 target. This money does not go towards funding my trip, which is fully paid for by the government through the Department for International Development. Instead it helps to fund VSO as an organisation, and towards other more costly projects that they run elsewhere.