New Stars Shine

Second to last day here, at one of the greatest places in the world. Every morning I am greeted by a sea of incredible people. I have been here such a short time, but the people here have shown me what I needed. They showed me there is a possibility to change this world. ' The world is fucked, but it doesn't mean we have to be' (Chanelle Manton, first time volunteer, lifetime of change) Last night got pretty emotional for my collegue and I. We hit that pivotical moment of realisation, that the work we do helps, and little by little, step by step, volunteer by volunteer, we can create a following of people that believe in change, believe in better, and together we can achieve so much. Without belief we are just another man in a bucket of millions, working, eating, dying. Organising the kitchen distribution. Today was another day of work, we organised shelves for quick access distribution, and reorganised the overflow warehouse ready for the shipment ...

Yes it is that time of year! The weather gets colder, coats appear, the John Lewis advert comes on TV and everyone is excited about what advent calendar to get for December. I'm aware it's still November but I believe that because there aren't any holidays in November that gives us justice to start Christmas early! If it wasn't for Halloween we would probably start Christmas when the first leaf falls off a tree! I love Christmas. I love the decor, I love having special bedsheets, I love a reason for comfort food, I ADORE wearing more clothes, the leggings, jumper and Timberland boots make another appearance this year. I love getting people gifts more than anything else! I like November as my month to save up money before I go crazy with gifts in December. That has to be my favourite part of Christmas-the giving. I don't mind as such not receiving anything, but the look on someone's face when they open something they've always wanted brings enough joy fo...

Few bits I took back from Zambia! As you know by now, I spent three months in Zambia. However I wish that someone gave me a packing list before I went, 50% of what I took I didn't need! So to save you the expenses I thought I would give you an insight on what is useful and what isn't! Useful pills: Ibuprofen, paracetamol, dioralyte, purification tablets and Tums!  First things first, stock up on pills! 1. Paracetamol And Ibuprofen (2 packs of each) 2. Tums! For those awkward foreign food moments! 3. Dioralyte! Needed for hot long days in the sun, buy the powder and the drink for both situations! 4. Purification Tablets-perfect for drinks but I suggest bringing some concentrated squash considering the tablets taste like dirt! 5. Don't forget your malaria tablets! Make sure you check, double check and triple check you have all of them! 6. Not necessary but it definitely helped me out! A pill box is handy to keep on track with the malari...

The most beautiful smile of them all from a five year old with nothing. I am only 19 bear in mind. NINETEEN! Yet anyone who has been in a rural tribal village for 12 weeks can agree that their lives change in enormous ways. Before August I spent two years at college studying English and Performing Arts, a LOT of fun but I never felt it was for me. I also spent three years in my free time volunteering for the National Citizen Service, I learnt so many skills and met so many fantastic people I knew that helping people was my choice. So I took the challenge and spent three months in Africa. A stunning sunset It was incredible. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of children singing their ABC, looking out at the fantastic sunrise and knowing that every single waking moment you are trying your very hardest to do good for the community. Every morning it was a quick trip to the water pump just so you can bath, drink and eat. It sounds difficult and displeasing, it was when...

Everyone should begin a blog with a beauts British sunset. I am one of those people who decide they need to start a blog, then don't for months. However it has finally come to a stage in my life, as everyone faces, where you have finished school, don't know where to go next, have a part time job and totally confused at where your life is heading. There is nothing better than sitting on your bed in the early hours and deciding this will be a safe haven to write; about home, life, travel, hopes, ambitions and everything in between. The whole group at NCS in July 2012. I love my life, and dislike it. 3 years ago my life began to change, I went from being a lonely bullied kid with no real dreams, to a woman with ambition! And since that point my life has been a total whirlwind. It all started in the summer of 2012, when I decided to sign up for NCS, the National Citizen Service, for those who don't know, this was a 3 week programme designed by the government t...