A YOUNG volunteer from Bury - who spent 11 weeks on projects in Cambodia - is now using her new skills back in the UK.

Molly Calland has been out in South-East Asia with international development organisation VSO under the International Citizen Service programme.

The 21-year-old helped youngsters at a school in Kampong Chhnang with a host of entrpeneurial and environmental initiatives, ranging from establishing their own student council to focusing on littering and waste management.

Molly said: “Lots of the young people in our community in Cambodia lacked understanding of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and had little training on important soft-skills, as well as practical issues such as CV writing.

“Equally many students failed to engage with local issues, and had little involvement in their local community.

“ Our ‘volunteering’ sub-team aimed to empower local youth, helping them to develop soft-skills such as leadership, public speaking and planning, by working with local schools, as well as their student councils.

“During our placement we provided training on using technology, as well as awareness raising on the importance of student council.

“We also helped the schools form strong student councils, provided them with training and supported them in delivering projects to improve issues in their schools, such as littering and waste disposal.

“By promoting volunteering, we hoped to create active citizens who also developed strong skills sets, and leave in place a group of students with capacity to continue to make change in the long-term.

“On placement I loved the experience of living and working cross-culturally. Although this was a huge challenge, it was also incredibly rewarding.

While she was out in Cambodia, Molly and her friends also stayed with host families. The husband and wife who took care of Molly were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary and invited their guest to play a role in the festivities.

She said: “Living with a Cambodian family was a particularly special experience, they really made me feel like one of the family and were incredibly kind.

And now the volunteer is back in the UK she is hoping to put her newly-found skills into practice.

Molly added: “Now I am home, I am keen to be an active member of my local community.

“For my action at home I plan to volunteer for a homeless charity, as it is an issue I feel really strongly about. ICS has taught me the importance of volunteering, and that even small and individual actions are important and have value.

“This has encouraged me to consider international development as a career option. I have seen the value this work has on the ground, and I am keen to work in an industry that has meaningful achievements and the capacity to create change.

“I would really encourage young people to get involved with ICS, it is an incredible opportunity, not only to experience another culture and lifestyle, but also to really have an impact and do something positive.”