Overseas aid charity searching for volunteers

Volunteers are being sought for projects being run abroad by a charity next year.

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) has launched its 2027 volunteering programme with schemes taking place in Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal.

It said as part of these projects, the charity would be recruiting three teams of between eight and 12 volunteers to travel to the countries and work with local communities.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering in the projects can apply via the charity's website before the deadline for applications on 25 October.

Deputy Carolyn Labey, chairwoman of JOA and international development minister, said: "Our volunteer programme is built on global solidarity and partnership, offering opportunities for islanders to work alongside local communities, learn from one another and contribute to locally led development initiatives that create lasting change."

JOA said its pilot project in Madagascar would have volunteers working alongside Jersey-based charity Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

It said the project would focus on conservation work in Lake Alaotra, where the critically endangered Alaotran gentle lemur and the endangered Meller's duck live.

JOA added its work in 2027 would include building safe, climate-resistant housing alongside the Habitat for Humanity charity for vulnerable families in Nepal.

It is also partnering with Sand Dams Worldwide to support the construction of a sand dam - a reinforced stone masonry wall built across a seasonal sandy river - to deliver year-round access to clean water.

Follow BBC Jersey on X,Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.