Africa challenge is the trip of a lifetime

from IC Solihull

A SHELDON woman will be jetting off to Africa this summer to learn about life in an impoverished country as part of a new £10 million government scheme.

Twenty-three-year-old Heather Warrilow, has been chosen as one of three young people to take part in the global volunteering scheme which is backed by the Department for International Development and will be run in partnership with charities, such as Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC, a non-profit organisation.

Launched at the end of last month by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander during a visit to Birmingham, the project aims to give young adults the opportunity to live, work and experience life in a poorer country while making a difference to the lives of those there.

Heather's timetable includes spending ten weeks in either Ghana or South Africa on a community development project such as environmental conservation or an HIV/Aids awareness programme.

On her return to the UK she will be expected to attend roadshows and carry out other activities to draw attention to the plight of people affected by global poverty.

Heather, who works on a temporary basis for the Highways Agency, applied for the venture last month after learning about it at work.

A former student, she is no stranger to voluntary work and helps with youth activities as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sheldon.

Speaking about the once in a lifetime opportunity, Heather who will be flying off to sunnier climes on May 13, said: "I feel honoured and humbled to be part of a project such as this.

"Not only will it raise my awareness of how my life in the UK compares to life in the developing world, I will be doing something really worthwhile that makes a positive impact on the community."

"My family think it is wonderful, they said you must go for this, I just couldn't believe it when I was chosen, it was a very happy moment, it will change my life."

Dr Hany El Banna, president of Islamic Relief, based in Birmingham, said: "This project is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. It will offer young British adults from all backgrounds, especially those from less well-to-do families in the UK, the chance to travel as a group and do a voluntary work in a developing country. It will be a continuous journey of discovery."