We're going to work as volunteers in Koforidua, eastern Ghana for nine months with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Andy is advising on the planning and management of a project funded by Cadbury which is aimed at helping cocoa farming communities improve their livelihoods. Lucy is working in advocacy and fundraising with the regional department for Community Development– helping with issues such as female empowerment and adult literacy.

After our placements we plan to spend three months cycling in Africa. The route is yet to be decided but none of the options look terribly easy. Further details will follow nearer the time! We would be really grateful if you would sponsor us. The money will help to pay for the training and support of future volunteers. It will not go towards any part of our trip and is not a compulsory part of our placement. 

http://www.vso.org.uk/stories/

Instead of sending food or money to the world’s poorest countries VSO sends people and focuses on sustainable development – training midwives and teachers and helping transform government policy. 

We aim to raise £1800 for VSO. Just £158 can keep a VSO health specialist teaching 33 future doctors in Malawi for a month. £36.40 can keep a VSO obstetrician working in West Timor, Indonesia for a week, safely delivering babies.