Pawlett volunteer fights to help end global poverty

from Bridgewater Mercury

By James Beal

A VOLUNTEER from an overseas aid charity has told the Mercury of his "invigorating" time spent on foreign soil fighting global poverty.

Jim Barnard, 61, from Pawlett near Bridgwater, spent time in Mozambique, Malawi, Kosovo and Kazakhstan on behalf of international development charity Voluntary Service Overseas.

The charity worker explained his role in the VSO organisation, which sends volunteers across the world to pass on their expertise to those in less fortunate economic conditions.

Jim said: "I have done a few short terms overseas, helping countries out when they have specific problems. It's a great organisation doing a lot of good work.

"I work in development and help people build their income, so when the bad times come they can be prepared."

The agricultural consultant, who has also worked for the United Nations and European Union, told the Mercury of the benefits of the his work in other countries.

He said: "I was working with small farmers in Mozambique - looking to help them break into the small packet nuts business in Britain.

"With my help they went into fair trade and got a little bit more, that's how Fair Trade works - the buyer pays a little bit more and the money filters through the economic chain to the farmer."

The money made through the fair trade programme is then used to build vital structures, such as schools and wells.

Jim also praised the spirit of the people he worked with abroad, especially during his time in Africa.

He said: "Aids is a big killer over there and causes a lot of disruption. They are at an economic level that would make people's eyes water over here, but they are all so fun and happy, and are pleased to be doing things.

"The work is extremely invigorating."

Anyone wishing to open up new opportunities by working overseas for VSO can find more details by logging on to www.vso.org.uk.