A Radstock waitress is keen to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development after returning from working on a voluntary project during her gap year, tackling poverty in Nicaragua.

Nineteen-year-old Nicky Varney recently worked alongside volunteers from Nicaragua for ten weeks, as part of the Government, funded development programme, International Citizen Service (ICS). Nicky worked on a project run by the development charity, Raleigh International, which worked on watershed management, improving access to clean water in a rural community.

ICS allows young people aged 18–25 to contribute to long-term development projects in one of 28 developing countries. The scheme offers young people the chance to develop personally and learn about team working and leadership on projects that are of genuine value to communities around the world.

Speaking about her trip, Nicky said: "Nicaragua is the second poorest country in Latin America after Haiti, working in the mountains in a rural community, I lived without running water and electricity as a member of the Nicaraguan family that I stayed with. "The main problems facing this Nicaraguan community is the contamination of the water sources, soil erosion and deforestation. We worked closely with the community members and a local partner charity, Anides, who also aim to create and improve a sustainable environment. Building water filters, dykes, eco-latrines, eco-ovens and tippy taps, that all contribute to better management of the watershed and improve health and sanitation within the community.

"Alongside our physical labour projects that had a visible effect on the environment, we also formed a lasting friendship with our community, joining in with the youths, teaching English, creating sports days and action days, all the while promoting sustainable practices."

Nicky is now using her experience overseas to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development. This 'Action at Home' project is a key part of ICS and means UK and overseas communities benefit from the skills that volunteers gain while working in developing countries. Volunteers are encouraged to use their Action at Home to raise awareness about their overseas work and increase understanding of global development issues, or support a project in their home community.

Nicky said: "I would like to thank everyone who supported me in my fundraising, which helped to pay for Nicaraguan volunteers who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford to participate and get the equipment they would need.

"It was really challenging but rewarding work in Nicaragua. Now I'm back at home, I feel so inspired and motivated by the people I lived and worked with, I'm keen to get involved in more volunteering opportunities and apply my new skills. This is just the first step to me becoming more active in my community, raising awareness and, hopefully, making a positive change in the world.

"It was very odd, adjusting back to everyday life on my return, although it was nice to see family and friends again. I can't wait to get back at some point in the future.

"I've picked up project management, leadership and communication skills as a result of ICS. It's a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and I'd encourage anyone aged 18–25 to get out there and do it!"

Brian Rockliffe, Director of ICS, said: "We're passionate about investing in young people, our future leaders and using their energy to tackle poverty. Our experience of working with young people shows they want to challenge the status quo, take on some of the big issues and make a difference. ICS creates active citizens, who make a lifelong contribution to positive change in the UK and developing countries."

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit http://www.ics-uk.org.uk">www.ics-uk.org.uk or call 0208 780 7400.