Chichester woman using skills from overseas volunteer work to improve community

Olivia Montague, 19, travelled to Zambia with international development organisation VSO, as part of the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

She said: “Many young people in Zambia have never had sexual health education due to health services being so limited. Our aim was to reach out to as many children and young adults as possible and discuss issues that are having a huge impact on their day to day lives.”

The project saw Olivia help with facilitating sessions about teen pregnancy, child marriage, hygiene, nutrition, HIV and other sexual reproductive health topics.

The team also attended hospitals, schools, small communities as well as a correctional facility.

Olivia is now using the skills she developed overseas to carry out an ‘Action At Home’ project back in the UK.

The ‘Action at Home’ project is a key part of the ICS programme, and means that UK communities benefit directly from the experiences of ICS volunteers.

Olivia is hoping to be able to make a positive impact within the Chichester area.

She said: “I’m planning on creating a blog explaining my time in Zambia so I can reach out to as many people as possible using social media and make more young people aware of VSO and the opportunities it gives. I have also spoke on the BBC Sussex radio about what exactly I did whilst volunteering and answered questions about what to expect and how to apply.

“Another action at home I hope to do is speak to the local MP Gillian Keegan about changes I would like to see in Chichester that would have a positive impact on the community.”

Before going to Zambia, Olivia raised £800 for VSO which will directly benefit communities in the area.

Felicity Morgan, director of ICS, said: “It’s really inspiring to hear about the fantastic work Olivia is doing. We’re incredibly proud that UK aid is supporting young Brits to bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities.”

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