Starting in mid February I will be heading to Kigali, Rwanda for 3 months to volunteer as part of the Challenges Worldwide team. During this time I will be helping to build local sustainable businesses to hopefully provide more people in Rwanda an opportunity to be financially independent and help them build their country's economy up too.

“You give a poor man a fish and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish and you give him an occupation that will feed him for a lifetime.” (Chinese proverb)

Challenges Worldwide is a Scottish Organization that works in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and now Rwanda, ensuring that every project they take on board is respectful to the environment and is sustainable long after the volunteers leave. Their aim is 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 whilst promoting the responsibility everyone has towards respecting our planet and it's limited resources. To read more or to get involved yourself visit the ICS and Challenges Worldwide website: www.volunteerics.org www.challengesworldwide.com .

So where does your money go:

The department of international development (DFID) covers 90% of each ICS volunteer's cost, therefore making the opportunity accessible to more young people regardless of your background. However, to cover the remaining costs and to keep the programme running, each volunteer is asked by ICS to raise £800 before they leave to go on the placement. Your money goes across the globe helping those in need. Providing an opportunity to break the poverty cycle and give future generations hope for change.

Will you help me reach £800 before 31st January 2017?

Any contribution made is greatly appreciated, and will make a difference to those effected by poverty.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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