A YOUNG teacher newly returned from 11 weeks spreading vital health information in Malawi hopes to inspire other young people to follow her example.

Harriet Phippen, 25, of Templewood Lane, Stoke Poges, travelled to Malawi in September with the international development organisation VSO, as part of the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

She worked alongside young volunteers from Malawi and the UK, living with a host family in the community.

She said: "Many young people in Malawi have been unable to access health education because health services are so limited, especially youth friendly health services. As a result, they are either unable to access contraception or not able to use it properly or keep themselves safe. This has led to many young people catching STIs or girls falling pregnant - which has a huge knock on effect on their education and employment opportunities.

"I had such an incredible time volunteering as an ICS Team Leader in Malawi. My team delivered sessions on sexual reproductive health rights and I felt that our project was making a difference in the community. There were a number of misunderstandings about sexual health, such as having sexual intercourse underwater could stop you from getting pregnant. We were able to address misconceptions like these and speak about reliable contraceptive methods. As well as this, my biggest achievement was being able to successfully lead and support a fantastically passionate, innovative and diverse team of young people. "

More than 15,000 young people from the UK have participated on the programme since 2011

Miss Phippen has worked as a supply teacher in schools across the area and attended Farnham Common Primary School.

She said: "I wish to return to Southern Africa to teach at the end of this year. I’d really encourage other young people to think about applying for ICS. It is demanding but it is also hugely rewarding and a fantastic opportunity to bring about positive change as well as personally develop."

Before she left for Malawi, Harriet raised £800 for VSO, which will ensure that communities in developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of volunteers.

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