Volunteer from Ditchling educates in India

Barnaby Smith recently lived with a tribal community in the state of Karnataka, with an Adivasi community as part of the government-funded International Citizen Service scheme with Raleigh International.

He said: “Adivasi people are continually oppressed and discriminated against in Indian society.

“I have been working educating on the importance of good sanitation, improving hygiene practises and inputting health awareness.”

He helped run a health camp, dental camp and constructed ten toilets and a 5000 litre water tank in five days.

Barnaby’s website, www.communityvibes.co.uk, tells stories of the lives of people he met whilst volunteering.

“The hope is to address this by broadcasting the stories of people in varying situations to break initial perceptions and stereotypes of developing countries,” Barnaby added.

“The entire experience was life-affirming and has now given me a new career path in international development.”