For Alasdair Roxburgh, Christian Aid's Gap Year scheme worked a treat - he is now a volunteer development officer in our Warrington office.
For several years, Alasdair had been involved in campaigning on development issues and hoped that after university he would be able to work in the sector. Christian Aid’s gap year offered a unique and brilliant opportunity to do this.
The role
'I was based in one of Christian Aid’s offices in Liverpool and had one simple aim: to inspire young people to take action and help bring an end to world poverty.
‘Doing a Christian Aid gap year was probably the best choice I have ever made.’
'The year began by settling into the office and beginning to build up contacts. Then all of the gap year volunteers went on an overseas trip to see Christian Aid partners in action in Tajikistan – a humbling and inspiring time.'
The best bit
'Using the trip experience, I spent the rest of the year visiting youth groups, schools and universities putting on a wide range of events including HIV workshops, band nights and climate change campaigning – all with the aim of getting young people to take action on poverty.
'Other gappers got involved in other events – and that’s the brilliant thing about the Christian Aid gap year, it’s yours to make your own.'
What next?
'When I completed my gap year I applied for a job with Christian Aid as a volunteer development officer and was fortunate enough to get it. I now work to inspire, support and resource Christian Aid supporters across the north-west to get more involved with Christian Aid and make a real difference.'
Interested?
For more information visit the Pressureworks website or email gapyear@christian-aid.org