Every year we a global series of events throughout July and August to celebrate International Youth Day - read more about 2019's highlights.
This year, our UK event, held in London on 10 August, was organised by a small but dedicated team of ICS alumni. Seven alumni worked with VSO and the ICS agencies to create an engaging, inclusive and rewarding event.
Find out more about the team:
Beth
Y Care, Togo, 2017
I am excited to be a part of the Youth Steering Group and put on the ICS Youth Employability & Skills Event. Since completing my ICS placement I have also joined Y Care International's Youth Panel. ICS helped me develop and become a more active, global citizen. I am passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and I love drama and the arts!
Fun fact: I have a pet whippet called Bella who I love!
Molly
VSO, Bangladesh, 2018
I had an amazing time on my ICS placement in Mongla, south west Bangladesh, and really felt like I was able to grow as a person and make a difference. Since returning, I’ve worked with several charities to raise awareness of neglected tropical diseases such as rabies and leprosy, an area I would love to work in during the future. Being part of the youth steering group, I hope to be able to make an impact towards decreasing youth unemployment rates and allow young people to access the tools they need to succeed.
Vanessa
Raleigh, Tanzania, 2018
My experience working on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) projects in Tanzania taught me a lot and I became much more resilient, adaptable and motivated me to do more back home; a small group of committed people can make a big difference! Since September 2017, I have been working within Public Health at my local council. I am passionate about youth employability and I recognise the impact that lack of employment (individually and within a community) can have on health and wellbeing.
Shonese
VSO, Kenya, 2018
My favourite part of being on placement was working with my team during the Community Outreaches and Action Days. Since returning, my teammates and I are developing a project which aims to tackle the gender gap in developing countries. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others to develop their skills, which is what motivated me to apply for this opportunity. I am also focused on making sure this event represents people from all backgrounds, identities and abilities.
Fun fact: Earlier this year, I volunteered at the TEDxLondon event, where, during a filmed interview, I was asked to introduce the event using the basic Swahili I had learnt during my ICS placement.
Kasi
Raleigh, Tanzania, 2016
On placement, in Nymbili, rural Tanzania, I supported young people to develop basic business skills, and helped young entrepreneurs design and implement their business ideas. For my Action at Home, a fellow ICS alumna and I designed an online space for women to connect, share and empower each other from around the world and I now work as a Support Officer for a domestic violence project. This year’s ICS YES event is important to be involved in - we need more support and opportunities for young people trying to get into employment!
Fun fact: I got invited onto a local radio show to talk about youth empowerment and volunteering
Chanel
VSO, Cambodia, 2017
Volunteering with ICS encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone; I am now helping to co-create a future engineering university called New Model in Technology and Engineering! After graduating with an architecture degree, I struggled to find employment in this field, despite having plenty of skills. I decided to do something different from architecture and help create a new kind of university that helps to tackle youth unemployment. When I heard that this year’s ICS event is on youth employability, I jumped at the opportunity and am very keen to challenge the issue of youth unemployment at this year’s YES event
Alison
VSO, Nigeria, 2016
In Ikorodu, in Nigeria, I volunteered with ICS on an advocacy project for children to get involved in local governance and learn new skills. On returning to the UK, I joined City Year UK - a charity where 18-25 year-olds volunteer full-time for a year as mentors to children in schools in disadvantaged areas of UK cities. I now work in the fundraising team of a national children’s mental health charity and a mentoring charity, leading a weekly education project for teenage girls in Camden. I am delighted to be a part of the Youth Steering Group as the ICS has a fantastic network of young people who want to create lasting positive change on a global scale.
Fun fact: I once hitchhiked all the way from the UK to Croatia to raise money for charity (it took 10 days and 22 lifts!).
