A DETERMINED conflict worker is venturing to Burkina Faso in West Africa to help promote human rights and create positive change.

Adam Bill, 24, from Weymouth, will be travelling to remote areas of Burkina Faso in April for a 12-week development programme.

He will be involved in education programmes to ensure the sustainability of change to vital infrastructures and is keen to maximise his ability to effect positive change while he is working there. He is therefore raising as much money as he possibly can for International Service before he departs, with a target of £800.

Adam said: "This is part of International Citizen Service (ICS), which brings young people together to fight poverty and make a difference where it is needed most. I’ll be working alongside volunteers from Burkina Faso and the UK, on projects that supports the awareness of women’s rights, and works with the partner organisations to document violence against women and that provides legal advice, and advocate for inclusion and equal rights.

"Our projects also support people living with disabilities to be independent, and access services and employment opportunities, and ensure they can participate and be inclusive in the local community.

"We gather data on the issues that disabled people face to influence policy-makers, and we collaborate with regional disability networks to empower groups at a grassroots level. ICS works with communities that have specifically requested their help. It also aims to inspire young people in the UK and overseas to become active citizens who are passionate about long term community development."

While Burkina Faso escaped the Ebola epidemic of 2014 which spread through neighbouring countries, many communities have been hard hit by outbreaks of malaria in recent years and the prevalence of dysentery, AIDS and other diseases present massive health challenges throughout the country.

This has led to thousands of deaths each year and some communities are struggling to cope with day to day needs.

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in Africa, ranking 183 out of 186 countries on UNDP's Human Development Index. The literacy rate is only 28 per cent with 65 per cent in severe poverty.

Adam will be walking 27 miles from Weymouth to Poole on Saturday, January 30 to increase awareness raise as much money as possible.

He also intends to visit Dorset schools and organisations upon his return in order to share his experiences and demonstrate what change has been effected in the poorest regions.

For more information about Adam's upcoming venture and to donate visit justgiving.com/Adam-Bill/ or you can text ICSA60 with your donation to 70070.