A SOUTH Cheshire College student has been selected to volunteer in Nepal as part of an International Citizen Service placement next month.

Eighteen-year-old Grace Tripp, from Nantwich, will travel on June 22 to Makwanpur – in the centre of the country – where she will stay for 10 weeks volunteering and fundraising for the Raleigh International Trust.

As an ICS volunteer, she will join fellow Brits and others to help Nepal recover from the devastating 2015 earthquake, the effects of which are still being felt.

She said: “I first became aware of these types of trips when I took part in National Citizen Service at 16 and we gained a presentation on the ICS scheme.

“It seemed a great challenge, a way to help people and also something that would help to set me apart when it comes to applying for jobs. The ICS scheme combines career and personal development, and whilst it will be a huge challenge, I know that it will also be very rewarding.

“I hope that I will gain confidence from being away and that it will help to prepare me for university life in September. It’s also a great opportunity to understand about other countries in the world and see first-hand how the likes of Nepal cope with poor living conditions.

“I am really looking forward to my Nepal experience although I am slightly nervous as it will be my first time away from home and I’m away for 10 weeks.”

The first part of her challenge was to raise £800 – a target she has already reached.