A WOMAN from Tavistock will next month embark on a six-week trip working in African villages struck by malaria. Jan Kelway, who recently turned 52, will be spending her time working with the American volunteer project Soft Power Health, travelling around local villages, educating people about malaria. The aim of the project is to educate the villagers about malaria and allow them to buy a mosquito net at a heavily subsidised price. Volunteers go back to each village three months later to check the nets are being used properly and are effective. Jan will do administration work, help villagers fill in questionnaires about malaria, give educational talks on the disease and the use of mosquito nets. Jan originally worked as an accountant for many businesses around Tavistock but decided to a few years ago to take a gap year. She went by herself on a coaching holiday around South Africa but wanted something more adventurous next so she booked an overland trip. In June 2005 she went to Tanzania to volunteer but when she got there the organisation was badly run and placed her in a village with people who did not speak any English. But this did not deter Jan as she continued on her travels and went to Vietnam and Africa. On another overland trip during October and November 2006, Jan started work with Soft Power Education, the sister project of Soft Power Health. She helped paint school building walls, did building work when needed. Jan said: 'I became a volunteer as I always wanted to get involved. Volunteers from all around the world take part with the health project. 'I have volunteered two weeks already so I know what I'm doing and what to expect and where to stay. 'I interact with local people at their homes and I check their nets. Some of them do live in mud huts but others live in brick houses. None of the children have toys but they are happy. 'The locals are so welcoming you have loads of friends while you are out there. 'You get to see the way they live and be a part of it – that is the best part of volunteering.' Jan is hoping to go to the project two to three times a year for two months at a time. Although she has raised her expenses for the journey Jan is still appealing for donations for the Soft Power Health Project. Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Jan on 07917 452845 or by e-mailing her on [email protected]">[email protected]
