Ashingtonian volunteers in India

Posted by Graeme Whitfield on Sep 30, 08 12:01 PM in News

Graeme Douglas An Ashington man has got a chance to make a difference on a once in a lifetime trip to India.

Graeme Douglas will travel out to support children and villagers in the town of Puranpur, Uttar Pradesh, using his art skills to help in the village school.

He will spend 10 weeks there and will also teach English, maths and sport.

Graeme, alongside other UK volunteers, will also build sanitation facilities and toilets for a nursery.

He said: "I'm most looking forward to getting out there and meeting the kids, working to help their education. It has been quite a journey already to get this far and now I can't wait to start."

The experience was made possible thanks to government-backed scheme Platform 2, which gives 18 to 25-year-olds the opportunity to volunteer abroad, with support from the Volunteer Centre's Youth Volunteering Project.

The scheme is designed to allow young people who would not normally be able to volunteer abroad the chance to do just that.

Mark Robertson, Youth Volunteering Officer at the Volunteer Centre, said: "The scheme gives young people free flights and accommodation, as well as placing them in a worth while community project. Although some elements are free, we have been able to support Graeme with some of the other costs associated with travelling and also through the recruitment process, which is quite thorough.

"Having volunteered in India myself a few years ago, I'm sure this experience will have a profound affect on Graeme."

If you are interested in the Platform 2 scheme volunteering at home or abroad, contact Mark Robertson at the Volunteer Centre on 01670 858688, e-mail v.centre@wansbeckcvs.org.uk or text 'volunteer' along with your name to 07800432401.

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