A YOUNG medical student is to travel to Africa to work with children affected by Aids and HIV. Pippa Marshall, 19, who is studying for a medical degree at Birmingham University, has been offered a month s placement to work with Students for Kids Internat

A YOUNG medical student is to travel to Africa to work with children affected by Aids and HIV.

Pippa Marshall, 19, who is studying for a medical degree at Birmingham University, has been offered a month's placement to work with Students for Kids International Projects (Skip) in Zambia.

Every year the charity sends volunteers to rural area Kanakantopa, to teach and provide first-aid for the children and villagers.

Pippa, from Ashwell, said: "I have always enjoyed working with children, as a childminder and playleader.

"I will be working with children who have been affected directly or indirectly with HIV or Aids."

Skip has set up and run two schools in the region, and has provided clean drinking water.

Pippa will teach English and the importance of personal hygiene, and help implement a food programme.

She said: "The feeding programme involves making sure the children are given a nutritional meal during the school hours. For many this is will be their only one of the day."

Before Pippa sets off she needs to raise £900 for travel and living costs, as well as raising money for the project itself.

Her fund-raising figure now stands at more than £700.

Farah Shahi of Skip said: "Skip works with international communities to better the health and education of children.

"It is a chance for trainee healthcare professionals to impart some of the knowledge that they are learning and visibly make a difference as well as to learn from the communities."

Pippa said she was prepared to see a lot of hardship.

"I think this experience will increase my awareness of global health issues, and improve my understanding of a different culture," she said.

"Hopefully, it will also help me become a more caring and understanding doctor in the future."

- Skip's current project is to build and equip a rural health centre in Zambia. It is also looking for equipment, including plasters, cotton wool, gauze dressings, and antiseptic liquids and wipes.

There is also a need for school equipment, including stationery and exercise books.

- Anyone wishing to help should visit the website www.skipkids.org.uk.

To sponsor Pippa call 01462 742835.