Several months ago I applied to International Citizen Service (ICS), a programme set up by The Department for International Developent (DiFD) which provides successful applicants with the chance to work with one of several international development charities. I was placed with Restless Development, a charity which focuses on harnessing the passion and energy of young people to make changes in their community and society today, not tomorrow.
I was incredibly excited I found out I was placed with Restless, I have a lot of experiencing working with young people in Northern Ireland and England and in each case it brought out the best in me. I actually worked with National Citizen Service (NCS) in August of last year, it was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. One of those experiences that redirects your passions, goals and needs.
When I was told that I was going to Sierra Leone in July I belted through the house and told the first person I saw, then spent the next four hours telling everyone who would listen! I couldn't believe that I had chance to work for 3 whole months with young people and their community. To immerse myself in an entirely different culture and come back a different person is not something I could say no to!
The unique feature of the ICS programme is that it pays for people like me to go to these countries and work in these communities. I do not have to pay for a thing, that includes flights, visas and jabs. If you have ever been a 20 something graduate searching for a chance to do some worthwhile volunteering that will not cost £5000 upwards you will understand where I am coming from.
The only catch (well it is not really a catch at all) is that you have to raise a minimum of £800 before you go. This money then goes back into the ICS fund, which pays for the next volunteers to go out and for in country support and programmes. So we all pay for each other. I have been blessed with generous family, friends and acquaintances, who have helped me reach over 80% of my target in 4 days. This is before I have had a chance to do any fundraising events or campaigns!
These last few days have been a whirlwind of excitment, planning and list making. I have worked hard for this placement and will continue to work hard to deserve it. I don't just want this experience to be mine alone, I want to share it with my community, my family and my friends. My long term goal is to work with the young people in my local community and share my experiences, skills and passion in the hope of inspiring them to do the same one day.
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Next week I will be posting a profile on Sierra Leone; the major issues which affect the country and what is being done to help.
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