Zimbabwe trip a life-changer, says aid worker

KEIRON Ainsworth: Zimbabwe bound

A YOUNG charity worker is swapping Royton for Zimbabwe as he prepares to help children and orphans affected by HIV and Aids.

Kieron Ainsworth (20) will spend almost four weeks working alongside CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) in hospitals around the country and collecting individual stories of local residents.

The trip is part of Kieron’s “Step into the Gap” programme, a year-long scheme run by CAFOD giving young people a chance to volunteer in the UK, gain work experience, develop leadership skills and visit CAFOD partners overseas.

The former Oldham Sixth Form College pupil said: “This work is important as while I am there I will be collecting stories of the people who for some everyday life is a day-to-day struggle.”

Kieron, a former youth worker, added: “Once I am there I believe what I see and experience will affect me in many ways and will ultimately change my life.”

Kieron will be posting weekly blogs about his experiences online and anyone wishing to follow his journey can do so at www.cafod.org.uk.