A YOUNG South Lakeland woman, who recently spent 12 weeks volunteering in Nepal, is now using the skills she developed overseas to help refugees.

Errin Brown, 22, of Arnside, travelled to Nepal with international development organisation VSO (Voluntary Service Organisation), as part of the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

She worked alongside young volunteers from Nepal and the UK on a sustainable development project and was "staggered" by the levels of poverty that she saw around her and the lack of opportunities for young people and disadvantaged groups.

"I have read about the outstanding work of the Help Refugees organisation in Calais and Lesbos and have decided to volunteer at the camps," said Errin. "The time I spent in Nepal made me appreciate the comforts and opportunities that we take for granted in the western world.

"Foremost among these is a permanent home, a human right that no one should be denied. I aim to organise a clothes and food collection to take over to the Calais camp, so I will be posting on social media about that soon."

Whilst in Nepal Errin lived with a local host family, so that she was fully immersed into the community and could gain a better understanding of the challenges people face.

"One of the greatest challenges faced by communities in rural Nepal is accessing quality education," said Errin. "This is a particular issue for children with disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and girls.

"Our project worked with local schools and communities to promote VSO's three core values of social inclusion, social accountability, and resilience. More than half of children in Nepal who enrol in Grade 1 leave school before the lower secondary level.

"The number is especially high for girls. The tradition of child marriage and early child bearing amongst girls is a major factor in high school drop out rates. We delivered awareness raising workshops to students, parents, and high profile members in the municipality on both these interconnected issues.

The people I met and the relationships I formed over the three months with fellow UK volunteers, our Nepali volunteer counterparts and local beneficiaries were undoubtedly the best thing about my time in Nepal. I have huge admiration for the resilience of the Nepali people, still dealing, amongst other things, with the after effects of the 2015 earthquake.

Anyone interested in donating any books, toys, clothing, or non-perishable food items for the refugee camps can contact Errin at: errinjb@hotmail.co.uk.