hi there, my name is noah bouchier. I am eighteen years old, and in June 2017 I completed my A-level qualifications. I have a place to study Geography with Quantitative research methods at Bristol University, beginning in September 2018.

me

I have known for a number of years that I have wanted to take a gap year in between my college and university studies. When thinking ahead to what I wanted to do and achieve in a year out, it was fundamental to me that I was able to engage in empowering, sustainable development. It was also important to be able to do this in a country and situation where the local community had a lessened ability of providing this for themselves.

ICS

This desire led me to ICS (international citizens service). It is a government-funded volunteering programme, supporting young people to undertake sustainable development work on projects in developing countries. It also provides the opportunity for young UK and local volunteers to work alongside each other to achieve a common goal. In February 2018, I will be volunteering with Raleigh International, on an ICS placement in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a beautiful country, but its growing popularity as a tourist destination hasn't seen a beneficial impact on the livelihoods of many Nicaraguan citizens. The country is the second poorest in the Americas, with 48% of the population living under the poverty line. This has equated to low statistics in school completion amongst young people, with children ending up in a life of child labour, in order to provide an income for their families. Access to a clean water source and sanitation has also been an issue in the country, especially in the rural areas of the country. These are two of the areas where the Raleigh ICS programme helps to try and build the base level support, upon which a country and generation can see and enact real change. This is something that excites and motivates me, and drew me to want to participate in ICS.

fundraising

Although ICS is government-funded, volunteers need to do some fundraising prior to their placement. The money raised will go towards supporting the work of Raleigh and their ICS partner organisations, enabling them to continue to send youth volunteers to developing nations, and make a lasting difference to disadvantaged communities. The donations I receive will not go towards any personal expenses of my trip, such as travel and healthcare etc.

I am very excited to be involved in this opportunity, and wholeheartedly appreciate any support people are willing to offer, through donations or otherwise. I hope to be organising more focused fundraising events in the coming weeks, please contact me for any further information or if you are interested in assisting me with my fundraising.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about what I'm up to, I appreciate it more than you know.

noah x