A YOUNG West Devon woman who is embarking on a 'life changing' mission to provide education for young children in a third world country, is hosting a quiz night this month to help raise funds for her trip.

In a few month's time, 18-year-old Ione Georgakis is set to spend a year teaching a class of children in poverty-stricken Honduras in Central America with the educational charity Project Trust.

Ione has recently finished her A-Levels at Tavistock College and is taking the year out before starting a degree in psychology.

Ione said: 'I am at a stage in my life where I have finished school and I don't really know what I want to do in the future, so I am taking a year out and really challenging myself in ways I wouldn't be able to here.

'It will be an amazing experience and I will be making a difference to other people's lives. I will be able to share with the community my passions of drama, art and the education I have been lucky enough to receive.'

As well as being responsible for a class of 30 pupils aged between eight and eleven, Ione will also be running extra-curricular activities.

Ione said: 'The Honduran constitution states that a free primary education is obligatory for every child between seven and 14, but this is not the reality of the system. There's a lack of schools, understaffed classes and a poorly constructed curriculum.

'In my own education I have struggled with learning difficulties and so I am interested in working with young people who have to overcome similar issues.'

As well as teaching, Ione will be working on a community outreach project supporting street children, victims of abuse and people whose lives have been affected by HIV.

As Project Trust is a charity, Ione has the challenge of raising £5,400 to fund her volunteering.

She has already undertaken a charity skydive and later this month she has organised a quiz night at HQ bar in Tavistock, on November 28 at 8pm.

She will also be arranging a race night, raffle and auction.

Ione said: 'In order to reach my target I am having to rely on charitable donations from family, friends, the community and local businesses. Donations would be gratefully received in the form of raffle and auction prizes, such as gifts, provision of services, products, vouchers, use of equipment or venues and sponsorship of events.

'I am aware that this is an unusual request, but every little bit of support is so significant. The kind support of the local community will be a significant help to reach my final target. A donation no matter how small will make a real difference in my efforts.'