A 22-year-old is travelling to Nicaragua to volunteer with an international charity.

Travel Consultant Fayzan Ashraf, from Blackburn will be heading out to the Central American country to help with a number of charitable projects which aim to make the lives of poor people better.

He is hoping to raise money for the charity which can be spent on the ground on the projects.

He said, "The International Citizen Service is an overseas volunteering program for young people (18-25 year olds) with an ambition to make a positive difference to the world, funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development.

"Volunteers take part in a structured WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) program delivered by Raleigh International."

He said he wanted to make a real difference to people's lives.

"Ultimately, as humanity we are one. The humble Nicaraguan man with his simple way of living and lack of resources is no less than me, the privileged British Indian young man.

"We both have something to learn, something to give and something to take from each other.

"Whilst this volunteer work is a fantastic way of creating an immediate as well as sustainable and lasting effect on the locals of Nicaragua, it also has an effect on us and the rest of the world.
1/3 of my placement is called Action at Home. 

"This means I will come back to the UK with a (hopefully) empty bag and lots to share with you all!

Beyond this, I intend to use what I learn towards shaping the world and it's people to become a more positive and peaceful place."

Fayzan will be travelling at the end of September for 10-12 weeks.

He said, "All of your donations will go towards the charity, this is NOT going to fund my travel/accommodation/living expenses/equipment!

You can donate to Fayzan here