A WOMAN from Keighley has launched a fundraising drive to enable her to travel to Zambia for a voluntary mission to fight poverty.

Elsie O’Dwyer, a former Holy Family Catholic School pupil who has just finished a degree at Nottingham Trent University, plans to take part in a three-month volunteering stint from the end of February next year.

She will be travelling to Africa with international development organisation Challenges Worldwide, as part of the UK Government-funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

Miss O’Dwyer, of Utley, explained: “I will work in partnership with Zambian volunteers to help lift some of the poorest communities out of poverty.

“Before I leave for Zambia, I must raise £800 for Challenges Worldwide.

“I have organised a ceilidh for January 13, which will be held in Haworth Old School Room, Church Street.

“My family have also been involved and have busked for me in Lincoln. I am hoping to arrange another busking date more locally soon.”

The money raised from her fundraising will help to make sure that communities in developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers.

Miss O’Dwyer, 22, said that so far she had managed to reach 30 per cent of her target, and was hoping to get to 50 per cent before Christmas.

She added: “The charity I am working with aims to support local entrepreneurs in growing and developing their businesses to create sustainable, long-term employment and economic growth.

“Having just finished my Business Management and Entrepreneurship degree, I am hoping that I can apply some of the theory I have learned to real-life situations and see rewarding results.

“ICS allows young people like me to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

“Once I’ve come back to the UK, I will undertake an Action at Home project, ensuring that the new skills I have develop benefit the local community.”

To donate to Miss O’Dwyer’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Elsie-O-Dwyer

Call 01535 604742 for tickets or more information about the ceilidh in Haworth.