A YOUTH volunteer from Tavistock has returned from a life-changing trip to Cambodia, where he visited projects supporting families to build a better future.

Last month James Ronan, 23, who grew up in Tavistock and studied at Plymouth University, travelled to Cambodia to meet communities which had been supported by the fundraising and campaigning of aid agency CAFOD’s supporters in England and Wales.

James said: ‘It was so great to see how the support from CAFOD and the Catholic community in England and Wales has left the future looking promising for these Cambodian communities.

‘The first village we travelled to was an agricultural village in Ou Breaus. We heard from the village committee about the issues of water scarcity and the community’s develop-ment plans which are working towards greater access to water year-round.’

The three-year programme, that is being run by local organisation Village Support Group, is helping the community make their plans a reality and has already helped support the community install a water pump, with further plans for reservoirs and other water sources in the future.

Another local organisation that James met with was Srer Khmer. They have helped to set up community-led ‘farmer schools’ which train people in developing technical skills, give information on proper sanitation practices and educate people on how to create hygienic working conditions.

‘I was most inspired by the women’s group,’ said James. ‘The group is helping women in the community to create action plans for their households and has helped families focus on a vision of how to improve their lives as well as bringing communities together.’

James, who is currently participating in the CAFOD gap year scheme and has been volunteering at St Mary’s Academy in Blackpool since September, said: ‘From what I saw during my short time in Cambodia, local organisations really are making an inspiring difference by helping to empower communities across Cambodia.

‘The work of CAFOD’s partners and the support they have provided have really helped in laying the foundations for further development of the communities themselves over the next few years.’

Inspired by his trip, James now wants to share his experiences with local communities and organise fundraising events to help the communities he met.

Applications are now open for CAFOD’s Step into the Gap year programme for 2017, with the deadline for applications on March 13. Volunteers who take part will be able to live and work in a UK placement for an academic year and will also have the opportunity to spend time with one of CAFOD’s sister agencies overseas, to see some of the work that CAFOD helps to fund.

For more information visit www.cafod.org.uk/gapyear