Big-hearted teenager is inspired to support deprived children in Zambia

A Leamington teenager is enlisting the help of friends and family to help him raise £6,200 towards a gap year of teaching deprived children in Zambia.
Harvey Innocent during a previous charity trip.Harvey Innocent during a previous charity trip.
Harvey Innocent during a previous charity trip.

Harvey Innocent, 18, from Ashorne, has already volunteered at a centre for poor rural youngsters - many of them orphans - suffering from foetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa during a school sports tour.

Inspired by this experience, the Warwick School sixth former now hopes to work with other youngsters through the charity Project Trust. He has launched a £10 Challenge, which sees him give supporters £10 to invest in different types of fundraising activities, including quizzes, dinners and concerts.

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The latest event, a coffee and cakes afternoon held at Offchurch, raised more than £300.

Harvey said: “I’ve been really lucky that so many of my friends and family – and people who want to support this great cause – are taking up my challenge so generously.

“I’m doing some of the fundraising myself, in between working for my A-levels, but I’m thrilled that people are rallying round to help me find this large amount of money in such a short time.”

The £6,200 will cover Harvey’s flights, accommodation, insurance and day-to-day expenses during his gap year. Project Trust is also providing him with some sponsorship.

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During his time in Zambia, he will be teaching a range of subjects to young people aged from 11 to those in their early 20s and helping to run school activities such as sport, music and drama.

He said: “This is an incredible opportunity not only for me to develop as an individual but also to make a lasting impression on those with whom I will be working both inside and outside the classroom.”

To find out more about Project Trust, visit projecttrust.org.uk

To sponsor Harvey or take part in his £10 Challenge, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GetHarvTeachingInZambia