Leamington gap year student to help young people in India

Former Stratford Girls’ Grammar School pupil Anne Devereux, 18, been chosen to take part in the International Citizen Service in which she and a group of about 20 others aged up to 25 will work for the charity Restless Development on projects which focus on civic participation, livelihood and employment skills and sexual and reproductive health and rights for the young people of a rural community.

Miss Devereux said: “I’m really looking forward to my trip, as challenging as it’ll be, and when I get home I’ll be taking part in the Action at Home part of ICS, which encourages volunteers to be active citizens in their communities and to spread awareness of issues close to their hearts.”

The programme is funded by the Department for International Development but participants must raise £1,500 by September 8 to show their commitment to Restless Development.

Having held cake sales and done some busking, Miss Devereux is almost a third of the way towards the target.

She is also taking part in an 80-mile sponsored bicycle ride and is planning a charity concert while a “helpful” meeting with Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White has given her more fundraising ideas.

She said: “All the money I raise goes directly to Restless Development to further their projects across the world - none of it is used to pay for my own travel, accommodation or costs. I, the charity, and the thousands of people they help each year would really appreciate any help we can get.”