Platform2 is a global volunteering experience funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC. It's for 18 to 25-year-olds in the UK who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to volunteer in a developing country.

Volunteer Rachel Tavernor went to Ghana to work with a team building toilets for the community and teaching at the local school. In her spare time she ran a photography group for children in the village. Here, she shares some of her experiences with us.
 

'Platform2 has given me an amazing opportunity to work and live in a developing country.

I used my time to learn and embrace Ghanaian life and gather stories and images to inspire young people in the UK to campaign with Christian Aid. After school I taught photography to a lively group of 7- to 15-year-olds.

In the first week we covered the basics - how to put a film in, which button to press, zoom, flash. Initially we had a lot of cameras back to front, upside down or being held out in front - as though it was digital. However by the second week the kids were snap happy!

I enjoyed teaching photography to the children as it gave me an insight into their lives and allowed them to capture their stories, experiences and perspectives on life. The images they capture are images of life - of people working hard, children laughing and the beauty of community spirit.

We saved some of our 'special' photos for a community exhibition. The children keep the rest of the photos and it was great to watch them showing the others with pride. I have brought the images we used in the community exhibition back to the UK. I plan to use them in talks, youth group sessions and for another exhibition in my hometown.

Find out more about the Platform2 scheme.

Or read an account by another volunteer in our 'Your stories' pages.