A Ramsey Grammar sixth form student will head to Malawi this summer to help orphaned children who have lost their parents to HIV.
Emily Stephens, aged 18, will spend four weeks in rural areas of the country volunteering with local youth groups helping to improve livelihoods for families in the greatest need, building new homes and facilities and assisting in feeding centres.
The A-Level student, who is finishing her studies in world development, politics and business studies, was chosen to take part in the volunteer scheme by the One World Centre, which organises the initiative on behalf of island charity, The Karsons Family Foundation.
She was selected from a number of young Manx applicants, impressing interviewers with her perseverance, knowledge and enthusiasm along with her thirst for volunteering locally in her spare time for the Northern Live at Home Scheme and Leonard Cheshire Disability.
Emily said: ‘I had learned a lot about Malawi in my studies and it sparked an interest in visiting Africa. When I heard that a trip was being organised, I wanted to be a part of it. I am really looking forward to visiting Malawi and developing friendships along the way, whilst also helping the community.’
The volunteer programme is run by Quest Overseas which organises various volunteering and adventure trips in South America and Africa.
Emily said: ‘I am extremely thankful to have been given such an incredible opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Quest alongside the local community in Malawi and taking part in such an amazing project which will have a positive contribution to the country’s development.’
Rosemary Clarke, director of the One World Centre, said this was the second year The Karsons Family Foundation have provided funding for a young person to take part in the volunteer scheme.
Last year Lucy Johnson, from Ramsey, spent a month in Malawi working with orphaned children.
Rosemary said: ‘Following a very successful placement in 2015, we are grateful to The Karsons Family Foundation for providing sponsorship for a second year to give another Manx youngster such a wonderful chance for personal development through an exciting volunteering scheme.
Emily is sure to get as much out of the trip as those she is going to help. The experience of working hands-on with other young people in such a different community and culture can be enormously rewarding and will give her valuable insights that she can bring back and share in the Isle of Man.’
To find more about the volunteer schemes go to www.questoverseas.com