A PUPIL originally from the Worth Valley will soon be on her way to South America as part of a project to fight child poverty.

Imogen Gavins, a former Holy Family Catholic School student, will spend 12 weeks in Bolivia.

She applied to take part in the scheme through the Government-funded International Citizen Service (ICS) scheme for 18 to 25-year-olds.

She will be part of the York-based development charity International Service, and will work with children’s rights organisations in Bolivia.

When she returns to the UK, Miss Gavins, 19, will continue with her diploma in animal management at Craven College.

She said her ambition is to go on to Cumbria University and build a career in animal conservation.

Commenting on her Bolivia trip, she said: “I’m really excited. This is a great opportunity and could be a life-changing experience.

“I decided to volunteer with ICS so I could work on a real development project that will make a genuine difference to the lives of some of the world’s most marginalised people. It’s pretty bad out there for children, especially in terms of their education.”

Miss Gavins expects to be working in small, remote communities where most of the population are indigenous people who speak Quechua.

“Spanish is actually their second language, and very few people there will speak English,” she added. “I’m learning a bit of Spanish and my sister is a fluent Spanish speaker so she is helping me.

“It’ll be a very different experience. These villages are at a very high altitude and it can get extremely wet.

“I’ve never been anywhere like this before. My work could be connected to education, foster care or practical things, such as organising fun activities for the children.”

Miss Gavins, who was born in Keighley, spent most of her life living in Oakworth before recently moving to Shipley. She was selected for the Bolivia trip after successfully participating in a team building and problem-solving assessment day in York.

She has to raise money for ICS before leaving for Bolivia in mid-June, and will carry out a sponsored walk up the Yorkshire three peaks on May 23.

“Most of the cost of the trip is met by the Government, but they want me to raise £1,500 to prove I’m dedicated to helping charities,” she said. “I’ll also be doing some bake sales and might organise a Bolivian-themed party.”

Visit justgiving.com/imi-gavins/ to support her.