A Llanelli student has taken on Wales’ highest mountain, not just once but three times in less than 24 hours so that he can complete his mission to support some of the poorest people in Africa this summer.
20 year old Tim Johnston, who lives in Llanelli town centre will travel to Tanzania later this month to work on a development programme that aims to bring clean drinking water and sanitation to the poorest people on the African continent.
Tim was successful in securing a place on the UK government supported International Citizen Service (ICS). But he needs to some further financial support to allow him to meet the costs of getting over to Africa so that he can help those who need it.
His efforts to raise money haven’t gone unnoticed, so impressed with Tim’s enthusiasm to volunteer for the project, he has won the support of Llanelli AM Keith Davies and the town’s MP Nia Griffith who are encouraging local people to make a donation to his appeal.
ICS allows young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term development projects in countries like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Nepal. The scheme offers young people the chance to develop personally and learn about team working and leadership on projects that are of genuine value to communities around the world.
But to complete his mission, Tim needs to provide funding towards the project which is part funded by the UK Government.
Tim said: “My Snowdon 6 trail challenge is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target of £1,500. I’m hoping everyone will give generously as a result of my effort!”
“The project I’m working on is run by the development charity, Raleigh International and aims to improving the sanitation levels of rural communities by teaching the importance of hand washing, building water pumps as well as improving waste disposal. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it’s needed most. I’m really excited to get out there but I need the people of Llanelli to help too.”
Keith Davies AM said: “I wish Tim all the best. He is giving up his summer holidays to help others much less fortunate than we are in Llanelli. We take for granted being able to turn on a tap for water or to flush the toilet. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation will hugely improve the health of people in Tanzania but will also help these people to develop themselves too.
Nia Griffith MP said: “I am really impressed at Tim’s efforts to raise funds and volunteer for a project that will bring lasting change to a very poor community in Tanzania. Like so many young people from Llanelli, Tim shows genuine concern for those less well off than himself, and a real determination to bring improvements to their lives. Many people would struggle going up Snowdon once in a day, so Tim succeeding in his challenge is even more impressive. I hope local people will get behind Tim and make a donation however small – every penny counts!”
There is still time to sponsor Tim visit www.justgiving.com/Timmy-Johnston or just text TIM88 to 70070 to make a donation via your mobile phone.
To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.volunteerics.orgor call 0208 780 7400.
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