Ugandan mission for former Isle woman

Meanwhile, Kate, 25, of Belton, is fundraising feverishly to support her work over six months, on a development programme run by the government funded International Citizen Service (ICS).

During her service, former South Axholme Academy pupil Kate will team up with Ugandan volunteers to work on some of the problems facing the local community.

She will focus on improving civic participation, livelihoods and sexual health among young people and will lead a team of volunteers.

Kate ‘s target was £800 for Restless Development who are one of the respected development charities that deliver ICS. She already has over £600.

The ICS works with communities that have specifically asked for their help. They allow young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term development projects in countries like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Nepal.

The schemes that they runoffer young people the chance to learn about team work and leadership while being of genuine value to communities around the world.

Once they return to the UK, volunteers undertake an ‘Action at Home Project’, to show that their new found skills can also benefit their local communities.

Kate said: “My fundraising is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target.

“I’ve been arranging comedy nights in Sheffield, doing car boot sales and I held a curry night. I’m hoping everyone will give generously as a result of my efforts!”

She continued: “The project I’m working on is run by Restless Development and aims to educate people about health care, encourage young people to get skills and get them in to employment within their communities.

“This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it’s needed most. I’m really excited to get out there.”

Updates on Kate’s fundraising efforts so far are charted on her Just Giving page and she intends to post her progress while out in Uganda via social media site Facebook and regular blogs.

Restless Development looks to young people to help make a difference in the world.

It claims young people are most affected by the persistent problems facing the world, and yet are frequently overlooked as a resource.

Kate, a maths and English tutor by profession, has never left the country for long and says this will be a huge challenge for her. “I know no-one else who has done this., but it felt the right time,” she said.

To sponsor Kate visit www.justgiving.co.uk/Kate-Whitmore or text KICS49 and the amount you would like to give to 70070 (for example KICS49 £5).

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.volunteerics.org