A 21-YEAR-OLD from Three Legged Cross has been inspired to encourage others to take up volunteering work after completing a ten-week project in Rwanda.

Jon Andrews visited the poverty-stricken African nation as part of the International Citizens’ Service (ICS) Tearfund programme.

During his trip he taught disadvantaged youngsters in schools, volunteered at a co-operative farm and helped rebuild a house which had burnt down in a fire.

He said: “While in Rwanda I witnessed poverty in various forms, yet there seemed to be a real sense of community in helping each other out. It has made me realise the importance of supporting communities in poverty-stricken areas of the world.”

The government-funded project brings together 18-25-year-olds to volunteer at projects around the world.

To find out more about the ICS Tearfund programme go to www.volunteerics.org.