AN EVESHAM youngster is preparing to live off just 99p a day to support a project that tackles poverty in Central America.
Melissa Hunt, 19, will begin the five-day challenge on Monday, August 15, as she looks to raise the £800 needed to travel to Nicaragua in September with international development organisation Progressio, to volunteer for three months.
As part of the UK Government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, the former Worcester Sixth Form College student will work in partnership with Nicaraguan volunteers to help lift some of the world’s poorest communities out of poverty.
ICS allows young people to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America and on return to the UK, the volunteers will undertake an ‘Action at Home’ project to ensure their new skills benefit their local communities.
So far, Miss Hunt has raised more than £300 for the charity.
“The money raised from my fund-raising will help to make sure the communities in developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target,” said Miss Hunt.
“I’ve decided to do this challenge in particular, as Nicaraguan people only have approximately 99p to spend on food and drink a day.
“The project I’m working on aims to improve access to healthcare and educate people about HIV and AIDS. I’ll be working closely alongside Nicaraguan volunteers, so it’s a great opportunity to experience another culture and make a difference at the same time.
“I’m really excited to get out there and start making a real difference to the lives of people in the developing world,” she added.
Visit www.justgiving.com/Melissa-Hunt8 to sponsor Miss Hunt or visit www.volunteerics.org for more information.
