This summer, for the months of June and July, I will be volunteering on two major projects to assist Think Pacific - The Global Internship and the Youth Empowerment Project. My food and accommodation will be paid for whilst I'm in Fiji but, in order to participate, I need to contribute just under £4,000 to enable Think Pacific to undertake its vital programme of work. My university has contributed half of this as they see it as a fantastic self development opportunity in which to apply my skills. I'm now trying to raise the remaining £1,950 - with your help! On top of this, I am personally contributing up to a further £2,000 to cover my flights, travel, insurance and incidentals.

I have built up a valuable portfolio of skills through my involvement in Cubs, Scouts, Air Cadets, achievement of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and latterly in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. By contributing to both of these projects, I aim to further develop myself by gaining a deeper insight into life in a rural Pacific Island community and by using the skills gained through my education and extracurricular interests to make a personal difference in the community. I hope to immerse myself in the local culture, step out of my comfort zone and better prepare myself to contribute globally.

In partnership with over 70 International NGOs, Charities and Social Enterprises in the Pacific, the Global Internship supports a hand-picked network of Fijian NGO’s, social enterprises and charities to develop practical and sustainable solutions to current challenges. It's focused upon International Development where I'll be able to interact and engage with a host of inspiring partners and learn about their work at grass roots level or international level to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Youth Empowerment volunteer project assists communities in rural Fiji. My involvement in this project supports the Think Pacific Foundation which works in remote villages, implementing aims and initiatives for the Fijian Government in line with the Fiji National Development Plan. During my participation in this one-month project, I will experience tough and challenging conditions as I volunteer to deliver a government-backed program to inspire youths to be the future leaders of their community.

In the Fiji Islands, Think Pacific Foundation provides the funding, planning and logistical support to enable volunteer teams to achieve specific development goals in the poorest areas of Fiji as the core element of a well structured, challenging and adventurous expedition.

Think Pacific fund short term, medium term and long term government directives which are designed and monitored by local communities and the Fijian Ministry to provide long term social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities.