A GRADUATE is preparing for a three-month volunteer project in west Africa and has designed her own calendars to boost fundraising.

Ciara Davies, from St Weonards in south Herefordshire, will be travelling to Togo in January with international development organisation Y Care International.

She will join volunteers who work on projects which support young people living in slums, who are at risk of crime or criminal activity.

Before the 22-year-old leaves for Togo she must raise £800 for Y Care International. She has painted 12 original designs and arranged them in a Good Vibes Only calendar for 2017.

Ciara said: "The project I’m working on aims to improve young people’s access to healthcare, I’ll be working closely alongside Togolese volunteers, so it’s a great opportunity to experience another culture and make a difference at the same time. I’m really excited to get out there and start making a real difference to the lives of people in the developing world."

She is currently on a gap year after studying Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham.

Ciara, who went to school in St Mary's in Lugwardine and then to Hereford Sixth Form College, said: "The money raised from my fundraising will help to make sure that the communities in developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target."

The project is part of the UK Government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, which allows young people aged 18 to 25 to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

On return to the UK, ICS volunteers undertake an Action at Home project, ensuring that their new skills also benefit their local communities.

Ciara added: "It is a mixture of nerves and excitement."

To sponsor Ciara visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ciaradavies or text TOGO80 £5 to 70070. If you would like to buy a calendar email ciararhian@gmail.com.

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