Ffion James, Volunteering in 2016

Student raising money to build sustainable playground in Africa

A Medical Sciences student from the University of Exeter is travelling to Uganda this summer to help build a playground from renewable materials. Ffion James, a first year student at University of Exeter Medical School, will be working for UK charity, East African Playgrounds and is hoping to raise at least £1,700.

This will be her second charitable trip to Africa after previously raising around £1500 and working for Voluntary Service Overseas in the Kenyan town of Machakos. During her initial three-month stint in 2016, she also volunteered in a HIV outreach centre, a primary school for handicapped children and publicly spoke to raise awareness of epilepsy within the community.

Ffion, aged 20 from West Wales, said: “Because of this wonderful experience, I decided to do it all over again… So, in August, I will be travelling to Uganda with East African Playgrounds, where I will be building a playground from renewable materials so that children can enjoy their time at school.”

“Play has an incredible benefit on the development of a child – it builds physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills, whilst giving children the space in which to make sense of the world and exercise freedom of thought, too.”

“By holding events, such as a Christmas party, cake sales and a raffle, as well as the generosity of my friends and family, I have so far raised £1,300, but my goal is to raise at least £1,700.”

Since 2009 East African Playgrounds have worked in disadvantaged communities across Uganda, including community schools, hospitals and refugee camps, helping children who do not get the chance to play. With 44.3% of the population of East Africa under the age of 14, a lack of child-friendly places to play and an incredibly high level of youth unemployment across the East Africa; investment in child development is now more vital than ever.

Anyone wishing to donate money towards Ffion’s trip can do so here

Good Luck Ffion!

Date: 13 June 2017