Jed preparing for Nigeria experience

TRAINEE chef Jed Powell is preparing for the trip of a lifetime when he travels to Nigeria in October on a three-month volunteering project.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Aug 2014, 07:00 BST
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The 21-year-old, of Keymer Crescent, Goring could be involved in a number of initiatives including working with rice farmers, providing clean drinking water and sanitation, helping local doctors combat major medical threats such as HIV and AIDS or teaching English in orphanage.

The unknown nature of the trip is part of the appeal.

Jed, a former Durrington High School student, said: “I will be living in the community in Nigeria, a country that is so differently culturally to our own.

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“There are ten of us going from the UK and we will be matched with people from Nigeria as we try to help out in their local community.

“I researched a lot of charities before deciding upon Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), but what I liked is the fact that you are actually put somewhere where you can help.

“Rice farming is the biggest export in Nigeria and the biggest occupation but it is getting quite hard for Nigerian people to get into it, so I think part of my role will be raising awareness of the money-making potential for people. I’m really excited and can’t wait to embrace a new culture and learn more about other communities’ way of life.”

Jed has to raise £800 to take part in the trip, and is currently offering guitar lessons for a £5 fee.

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He said: “I have been trying to think of different ways to raise money and I am also taking part in some car boot sales this weekend, selling old DVDs, clothes, toys and items that people have donated to me to help the cause. My grandmother and I are also hosting an open lunch at her house. My whole family are pretty excited about what I am doing and know that it will be a great experience for me, much more so than working in a bar for a summer in Europe which is also something I looked at.

“I hope to go into my old school to do a talk to raise awareness of projects of this nature before I travel in October. Everyone keeps asking me how I will be helping others in Nigeria but I actually think that I will be learning a lot from the Nigerian people, too.”

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/Jed-Powell

Guitar lessons can be arranged by emailing [email protected]