On 12 August 2018, we held a UK-wide celebration of all things ICS - championing the seven years and 30,000 volunteers that have made ICS what it is today. Organising it were a small but dedicated team of alumni.
Find out more about the team who organised the UK event. Outside the UK? Click here to see the full list of what happened around the world.
Emma Wildsmith
VSO, Nigeria, 2017
I recently left my job as a secondary school teacher to pursue a career in international development. I spent the last quarter of 2017 volunteering as a Team Leader in Nigeria with ICS, assisting a community network, raising awareness of global issues and helping to improve the quality of education. Previously, I studied Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Nottingham. I love trying new foods, experiencing new cultures and exercise (luckily!) as it allows for the excessive chocolate intake ...
Betty Ignatova
Raleigh, Nicaragua, 2018
Hi, my name is Elizabeth. I'm 20 and completed my ICS placement with Raleigh earlier this year (big shout-out to everyone at Raleigh, love you). I hope to put forward my creative ideas in design and crafting to good use to deliver an event that appeals to everyone and signifies your proudest achievements in relation to ICS! Oh, and my fun fact - I have a self-taught knowledge of outdoor survival. I’m the off-brand, amateur female Bear Grylls.
Natalie Cheung
Challenges, Zambia, 2017
Y Care, Togo, 2017
I completed two ICS placements last year. I'm a civil engineer by day but love working with young people and promoting engagement in global issues. ICS has motivated me to do things I had never imagined including running lectures at the University of Zambia and a sponsored bungee jump off the world's highest bungee bridge!
Lewis Goode
Restless, Uganda, 2016
Hi my name is Lewis! I currently study International Economics and Trade at Coventry University. One thing that made my placement extra interesting is that due to being dark-skinned I was commonly mistaken for being a local Ugandan, despite butchering the local languages with my British-Yorkshire accent. However, this didn’t stop me from getting free and discounted food in the local food markets when I was thought to be the Prince of the local tribe!
Jasmine Bigden
Raleigh, Nepal, 2017
Hi there, my name's Jasmine and when I was in Nepal with Raleigh I worked on projects ranging from menstrual health to building hand washing stations. After ICS, in my Youth Patron role at Ambitious About Autism, I was involved with campaigning for better awareness of autism in the media - and even featured on a podcast alongside notable people affected with autism including author David Mitchell and ITV's Anne Hegerty!
Oli Munns
Raleigh, Nicaragua, 2017
Hi. My name’s Oli – and this is a photo of me in front of the map that my Nicaraguan brother and co-Team Leader, Jimmy gave me when I left. I promised him and my host family that I’d return in a few years, so I’m planning to do a motorbike roadtrip through Central America to see them next year, Che Guevara style! I now work for the Government and live in Newcastle. I grew loads by doing ICS, met the most inspiring people and delivered real positive change. It’s staggering to think that we are 30,000!
Jessica Berrnico
Restless, India, 2018
Hi! My name is Jess, 18, I'm passionate about intersectional feminism and the environment. Since ICS I've been so motivated by the experience I've started an initiative called Period Point to combat the issue of period poverty in my community.