Students urged to apply for voluntary work abroad after A-Levels

Students looking for post- A Level inspiration are being encouraged to consider volunteering in developing countries via a fully-funded Government scheme.

Not sure what to do now that you have your A Level results? Make sure you apply for fully funded Platform2 trips by early October. Have you ever considered doing volunteer work in a developing country but didn't think you could afford it? Platform2 might be your answer.

Platform2 is a global volunteering experience funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) and run by Christian Aid and BUNAC. You could spend 10 weeks in a developing country working on projects like these:

* South Africa, volunteering with the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society which directly assists over 18,000 abused, abandoned, neglected, orphaned and vulnerable children each year; or

* Nepal, constructing a much-needed new secondary school building and teaching at the after-school clubs; and

* Kenya, working on a project to stop deforestation by helping communities make money in more eco-friendly ways, like fish farming and bee-keeping

Over 700 young people have already been on Platform2 projects including

23 year old volunteer Sarah Owen, who has recently returned from India.

"Whilst in India, I worked on a women's equality project and formed relationships with young women my age I will never forget. I collected traditional songs from the women I worked with, and have taught them to young people in my own community back here in Devon. They have been fascinated to learn the songs and hear my stories - I think Platform2 is a chance for young people to see the world in a different way and encourage us to have compassion for others from all different walks of life."

You can apply online or download the application from www.myplatform2.com. Completed applications, references and either a photocopy of your passport (or if you don't have a passport, your birth certificate) need to be received by October.