A FORMER Milford Haven head girl has said she was inspired by the kindness of the Tanzanian people, after spending almost three months in the country helping young entrepreneurs build themselves a more secure future.

After completing her A Levels, 18-year-old Izzy Emile won a place with the International Citizen Service (ICS) to work with sustainable development charity Raleigh International.

Thanks to generosity of friends, family, and the local community – including Milford Haven School and the town’s Rotary Club – Izzy raised the £800 needed to take part in the project, and travelled to Tanzania in Central East Africa in September.

Here, she tells how her time in Africa, helped change the lives of local people, and inform her own views on the country.

“Along with more than 150 other UK and Tanzanian volunteers I helped and supported young entrepreneurs in rural Tanzanian villages.

“We help them set up small businesses in their communities which benefited them as individuals, their family and their wider community.

“This leads to the community to be more resourceful and be able to become more resilient to social, economic and environmental changes.

“The entrepreneurs that took part in could pitch their business idea to Raleigh at the end of the programme for a loan of 400,000 Tanzanian shillings which is approximately £125.

“For those that were unsuccessful the programme includes exploring other microfinance loan options such as village banks and national loan schemes. 

“Another part of the programme was to create sustainable networks for the entrepreneurs.

“For example, the entrepreneurs with business ideas in dairy production we helped to increase demand for dairy products through awareness of its health benefits in our action days.

“We also helped to promote the new UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting safe water, sanitation and hygiene which was a recognised issue in my village of Itulike. 

“Whilst carrying out the project we were living with a homestay family.

“This was very challenging for many of the UK volunteers including myself as we had never experienced this level of poverty.

“I was taken aback by the kindness of my family who had nothing but offered me everything they had and I will never forget that.

“My house was basic, mice infested with no modern amenities. 

“At first I thought to myself I wouldn’t be able to cope in this condition for the months. By the end of my time, I didn’t want to leave. 

“Now I’m back at home, I feel inspired and motivated by the people I’ve lived and worked with.

“Delivering assemblies at Milford Haven School is just the first step to me becoming a more active citizen.

“I’m keen to get involved in more volunteering opportunities within my community that address the sustainable development goals e.g. donating to a local food bank. 

“I also aim to promote and encourage more people to do ICS entrepreneurship and development work. 

“Anyone between the ages of 18-25 is eligible to apply for ICS. Push yourself and you will experience so many amazing things!”