In 2010, Romesa (23, London) fulfilled her dream to see development issues firsthand by taking part in international volunteering programme Platform2. After studying development at university, she longed to put her knowledge to practical use during her time with Platform2 by immersing herself in the Peruvian community where she spent 10 weeks.

10 weeks in Ghana changed Anthoney's world. "I know it's the sort of thing a lot of people don't get to experience. I learned a lot about myself."

Anthoney Williams went from causing trouble, to Prince's Trust award nominee, via Ghana through Platform2. He talks to communitycare.co.uk about his experience of volunteering.

"My family is really happy for me, I don't think they've ever been proud of me before. I just want to get a bit of work so I'm doing something during the day and I don't fall back again."

My amazing summer in Peru

"Hola, ITV local. I am Katie. I’m 19 and studying at Leeds Metropolitan University in the hope of becoming a primary school teacher. In the summer of 2008 I had the opportunity to go to Peru to volunteer for 10 weeks fully funded by the government with the organisation Platform2. This 10 week experience was the most intense and amazing summer I’ve had to date."

"When I first got accepted onto the programme I thought I’d missed something in the small print, but before I knew it I was on a 15 hour flight to Lima, Peru."

13/01/09 LONDON
22/01/09 ABERDEEN
29/01/09 LIVERPOOL
10/02/09 BIRMINGHAM

Platform2 toured the UK in January and February 2009. Here are some videos and pics about the scheme, with past volunteers who would urge you to fill out the application form!

TUES 13TH JAN 2009

We realise that people at home may have concerns about the safety of the volunteers who are presently in India / shortly to leave for India. We would like to allay any fears you may have with the following information. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to phone us: 0800 988 68 28.

*This page will be updated regularly to give you the most recent information about Platform2 trips to India.*

Platform2 would like to inform all family and friends of any Platform2 volunteers in India at the moment or going to India on 9th December that they are not in any danger.

Photos from the project in Peru where our volunteers have built toilets for local children are on the following sites for World Toilet Day:

BBC website

Read all about Claire's trip to South Africa on the BBC Tyne website

"It's hard to say what I was expecting before I went but I have come back with more than I expected. I have got more confidence.

"It was a big thing. We got to see South Africa for what it actually was. I would say if you were visiting South Africa you would overlook a lot of the stuff we saw."
- Claire

Have a look at this video of the 1st group that went to South Africa helping at a kids' camp and refugee camp.

Video produced by West Fort, South Africa.

When you get back from your trip, you'll attend a 3-day residential where you can work out how you're going to share your experience and raise awareness of poverty and development issues in your communities.

Watch the video to find out about the kinds of things you'll be doing.

"Heather Warrilow... says her trip to Ghana was a life-changing experience."

Read all about her trip on the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7631308.stm