PEMBROKESHIRE College Health and Social Care student Georgia Quinn, is on a mission to raise awareness of volunteering on an international scale.

Twenty-year-old Georgia, from Pembroke Dock, started attending the Tanyard Youth Project when she was 16 and has since become involved with the running of the tuck shop and working with the other young people that attend the project.

Recognising Georgia’s passion for getting involved and taking on responsibility, staff at the Tanyard Project suggested that Georgia apply for voluntary work abroad via UNA Exchange.

Georgia took their advice and in 2016 she participated in a two week International Work Camp in Belgium. The first week of the camp involved her working on a farm and the second week at a music festival. Georgia was the only volunteer from the UK and worked alongside nine other applicants from across the world.

Following this experience, Georgia now represents UNA Exchange at various events as an ambassador promoting the benefits of youth volunteering.

Most recently, UNA Exchange asked Georgia to give a speech at the Senedd to raise awareness of volunteering internationally during an event celebrating 30 years of Erasmus+ in Wales. Georgia addressed an audience of approximately 60 people, including Eluned Morgan AM and Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning. Georgia talked about her international volunteering experience in Belgium and how important youth

volunteering has been for herself. Following her speech Georgia was invited to speak on BBC Radio Wales.

Georgia said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering experiences and feel passionate about raising awareness of international exchange for young people as it helps you to gain knowledge and experience of different cultures.”

Rhi Davies, supported volunteer co-ordinator, for UNA Exchange added: “Georgia is a unique young person, she is full of energy, so positive and motivated, with a huge heart and even bigger smile! It has been a privilege and pleasure getting to know Georgia over the past two years and watching her grow and develop. She has been a huge asset to the project."