A YEAR teaching science and maths in Zimbabwe provides the ideal break between studies for a keen young traveller.

Jonathan Turney, 18, of Crosshill Road, Blackburn, has always wanted to spend time in Africa and will jet out to the country at the end of August this year to fulfil his dream.

He will be taking part in a Project Trust, a volunteer programme organised by the Prince's Trust Volunteers and will spend twelve months in Bindura, north of the Zimbabwe capital Harare.

He is presently studying for his 'A' Levels at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, and has been accepted for Oxford University, but is deferring entry for a year.

"I was speaking to a friend of the family who also went for a year abroad to Zimbabwe with the Prince's Trust and said how good it was," he said. "I decided that this is what I'd like to do, too.

"I had to go on a five-day selection course on the Isle of Coll, in the Hebrides. They told us that the fact that we could get to the island as there were only two ferries a week and one left at 6.30am was a test in itself.

"We had to undergo language aptitude exams, give a dummy lesson and there were also physical challenges, where we had to plant potatoes in a field."

The cost of Jonathan's trip is £3,450, of which he is required to raise £2,950 in sponsorship. He is looking for people to help fund his trip and sponsor him, maybe for one day, which would cost £8.50, or half a day at around £4. Anyone who can help is invited to contact him on 01254 56806.

"I am really looking forward to it," Jonathan added. "I am a bit apprehensive because they will expect me to be up to the standards of a qualified teacher, but it will certainly be a challenge and a wonderful opportunity."

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