A RINGWOOD woman says she has made ‘friends for life’ after volunteering to help teach school pupils in Zimbabwe.

Jasmine Ward spent 12 weeks in Malalume as part of the International Citizen (ICS) programme.

“It was absolutely amazing,” she said. “It was hard work and very challenging. You learn a lot about yourself.

“It was very rewarding and I made friends for life. I would recommend it to everyone.”

The 23-year-old has previously volunteered in Kenya and Morocco.

During her time in Zimbabwe she was based at a secondary school and helped with teaching the pupils about sexual health, HIV awareness, and life skills such as confidence building.

She also spent time working with primary school pupils.

The university graduate is now considering a future career in international development and teaching abroad after her volunteering experience.

Jasmine described some of the differences she found with the education system in Zimbabwe. She said pupils often had to share text books as there were very few to go around.

During her volunteering experience she lived in a village with fellow volunteers. She says the people and children were very welcoming. She added: “When I had free time I brought some face paints to do face painting, they didn’t even know what it was. The smallest things make a big difference to them.”

Jasmine received a donation of £200 from Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club to support her fundraising for the ICS programme, which went towards paying for vital school materials for the children.