Milford Haven school girl inspired by African trip

Milford Haven School head girl Izzy Emile volunteered at the Meg Foundation, a primary school which provides educational opportunities and hope for the people in the Kinamba area of Kigali, Rwanda.

Working as a teaching assistant in a class of 35 three to five-year-olds, Izzy saw how various projects are helping the country recover after the devastating effects of the 1994 genocide.

“There is so much development needed in Rwanda as it’s such a poor country,” said Izzy.

Having previously wanted to study criminal law, the trip inspired her to change her focus, and she has now been offered a place at Birmingham University to study read African Studies and Development.

“The genocide resulted in a lot of investment in the country and lots of new developments and I really want to be part of that”, said Izzy.

In August, Izzy will visit Uganda and Rwanda again, where she will work as a teaching assistant, and with the NGO charity Solid’Africa, which provides food and financial assistance in the hospital for people who cannot afford it.

While there, Izzy will also visit the Rwanda Agricultural Board’s project ‘GIRA INKA’ (have a cow) to find out how it has changed lives.

Izzy said her experience of Africa was not what is often portrayed in the media, and urges other young people to get involved.

“Young people should not be scared to go out there; it’s not scary at all,” she said.

As well as writing a blog of her travels, Izzy hopes to establish a link between the Meg Foundation and Milford Haven in the hope that some children could be sponsored.

“Even something as simple as sending letters to these children would be fantastic,” she said.

“Any interaction is better than none.”

Determined to raise some much needed funds for the school before she returns in August, Izzy is also training to climb Ben Nevis in May – all on top of studying for her A-Levels in Sociology, History and RE.

To read Izzy’s blog, visit izzystravelss.blogspot.co.uk.