My name is Colm Pennie, I am from Northern Ireland,  I am 21 years old and at home I was unemployed. I couldn't find a job anywhere until  I heard about Platform2. I went onto their website and when I read what they were doing I applied straight away. I got accepted and I am currently in Lamatar, Nepal.
 
It is a beautiful place, lush green surroundings all around us and a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The people are very friendly, especially the kids, they are never done shouting "hello how are you" it's really the only English they know. But that's where we come in as we are teaching English at the local school as well as building a learning centre which will have six rooms, 4 classrooms, a library and a computer room.
 
The construction was slow to start but that is just the Nepali way lol! If you are reading this I would strongly advise you to apply as Platform 2 are doing a great job, making a difference to a lot of people. It has changed my view on life for the better and in the future I would like to volunteer again. Plus you can sit back and smile knowing that you have done something worthwhile and something that will change the lives of others, instead of sitting at home taking the most basic things for granted.
 
The thing I will miss most is definitely the kids, they are amazing, so cute and I wish I could stay with them longer or take them home lol. I am going to return to N. Ireland a changed man and none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the once in a lifetime opportunity Platform2 gave me.
 
Some people wait for change to happen, others volunteer.