A WOMAN from Leigh will visit Tanzania for ten months to work on a community project.

Christina Ravinet, of Belfairs Drive, has been accepted on to the Internation Citizen Service scheme – a Government project for youngsters to help address poverty overseas.

While in Tanzania, Christina, 25, will work on a development project with charity Raleigh International – but has no idea what she will be doing.

She said: “I won’t know the specifics of what I’m doing until I get out there, but I know it’ll be health project – likely to be around water and sanitation.

“It’s all about sustainability – building a tap, rather than giving water aid, for example.

“We get to know the community – we’re not going out there to help them, but rather to work with them.

“When we arrive, we do research to find out what the local people there need.”

Despite living in basic conditions for ten months, Christina says she is excited by the project, in February.

She added: “I can’t wait to go to Africa, meet new people and live in a new way.

“We’ll all be living in a tent for ten weeks, with very little electricity, so the toughest part will be not being able to contact my family regularly.

“Doing work like this is something I’ve always wanted to do – but I’ve always wanted to make sure what I do is worthwhile.

“The idea of this programme is to make a long-term difference in other people’s lives, and develop myself as a person and a volunteer.”

Christina has a fundraising target of £1,500 to meet before she leaves the UK.

The money she raises will go to Raleigh International, and will allow it to continue carrying out its projects and sending volunteers overseas.

She aims to boost her funds by completing a 10k run in Hyde Park in January.

She said: “I’m a little bit too chilled out at the moment – I haven’t done much training yet. I’m a bit nervous, but I’ve roped in my sister and friend for moral support.

“I’m also organising a quiz evening with a raffle to help raise money. If anyone can help with raffle prizes and donations, that would be great.”

To sponsor Christina, visit www.justgiving.com/Christina -Ravinet or to help her with fundraising, e-mail christina ravinet@gmail.com