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Glasgow volunteer returns from war-torn Congo

Emma Boyd, 21, of Glasgow has just returned from an unforgettable journey to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the start of a year-long gap-year scheme with international development agency Christian Aid.

• Picture: “I meet Nadine while visiting Vorsi Congo, a partner working on HIV/AIDS. Nadine is a pastor in Kinshasa living with HIV, and a woman of great inspiration who uses her position of influence to fight the stigma surrounding HIV.”

The two inspirational weeks in the Congo kick off a challenging year ahead. Emma, along with 20 other ‘gap-year’ volunteers from around the UK, will use their new experiences and knowledge to encourage young people in their local areas to get involved with Christian Aid.

The volunteers, who spent time in and around the DRC capital city Kinshasa, witnessed the humanitarian work of several Christian Aid partner organisations at a particularly sensitive time in the country. Conflict and unrest in Goma - 1000 miles to the east – have led hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

During her stay, Emma visited Christian Aid partner Humanite Nouvelle, which works with street children in the capital, providing them with food and education and helping reunite them with their families. Emma also visited projects supporting people living with HIV, community action groups and a women’s development movement fighting for equal rights.

Emma said: "The Congo is a land of great contrasts, some people making it big while others barely hang on. Yet my overwhelming impression coming away from it is one of hope. The Congolese people work so hard, making a massive impact with the little they have. Their tenacity and courage inspires me greatly."

Emma, who will be based at the Christian Aid office in Washington Street, Glasgow, will use her ten months on the scheme to help run local campaigns and workshops, recruit new campaigners and organise fundraising events. Their focus will be on engaging young people on issues such as climate change, trade justice, poverty reduction, health and sanitation and HIV/AIDS.

Robert Pearce, gap programme coordinator at Christian Aid said: ‘Christian Aid’s gap year volunteer scheme attracts young people with a passion to end global poverty. We are delighted by the enormous contribution and deep commitment of these enthusiastic young people.’

The scheme is open to anyone aged between 18 and 25 who wants to take a year out during or after studying, or who just wants to change their career direction. Details are available by email or on the Christian Aid website.

Source: Christian Aid.