STUDENT Jack Oaten is travelling to Uganda next month in a bid to change young people’s lives.

Jack, 20, originally from Stratton, will be representing charity Restless Development in the African country for three months. The international development student, who attends the University of East Anglia, will be working with those aged between six and 25 aiming to improve their health, education and employment prospects as well as looking to reduce poverty in the region.

As part of the programme, Jack will be visiting schools and community centres. He has not been told exactly where in the country he will be based yet but he will be staying with international and Ugandan volunteers.

Jack, who now lives in Norwich, said: “I have studied international development for two years and I’m excited to have this opportunity to go out and see it first hand.

“I think it will be a culture shock, which I’m nervous about, but I’m looking forward to getting out there and trying to make a difference.

“I don’t think language will be too much of an issue while I’m over there as English is quite commonly spoken although each district has quite different dialects but I can’t really prepare for that until I know where I’ll be.”

Restless Development help people in India, Sierra Leone, Zambia and America among other countries. Funds from the International Citizen Service, a Government scheme looking to fight poverty across the world, have allowed Jack to go on the programme.

Meanwhile, he is also raising £800 for Restless Development which will ago towards their work across the globe.

Jack said: “I’m fundraising for the charity with the money being put towards recruiting more volunteers in the future.

“One of the things I’m really looking forward to when I get out there is getting to know all the volunteers.

“I’m hoping that I can build up some contacts with Restless Developments during my time over in Uganda, which will allow me to get involved in their other projects around the world after I’ve finished my degree.”

  • To sponsor Jack visit www.justgiving.com/jack-oaten and to find out more about Restless Development’s work visit www.restlessdevelopment.org.