Oswaldtwistle volunteers spend two weeks in Zambia

Yasmin Wilayat, a student nurse, and Beth Sell, a positive behaviour support lead, were sponsored by their company Aaban, based in Oswaldtwistle, to join International Volunteer HQ in the African country.

Yasmin and Beth spent two weeks in Zambia from June 29, visiting schools and orphanages as well as donating gifts and resources such as textbooks, whiteboards, pens, pencils, and crayons.

Sarah Beaumont, clinical director at Aaban, said the pair were also sponsored to take toothbrushes and toothpaste and teach children about oral hygiene.

They also taught youngsters at an all-girls orphanage about development and changes in their bodies.

Yasmin Wilayat and Beth Sell volunteered in Zambia for two weeks (Image: Aaban)

Sarah said: “They both said it was life-changing and that it makes you appreciate everything you have.

“Even though a lot of these people had very little, they were really kind, always had a smile on their face, and were always so happy to see them, just to play games, chat, and have company.

“They definitely want to go back and do more volunteering.”

Yasmin and Beth teamed up and made connections with other charities while they were out in Zambia.

Sarah said having looked at the offer they thought it was something they wanted to support and that it would be an amazing experience for their staff.

They visited schools and orphanages in different villages (Image: Aaban)

She said: “As an organisation we like to think about charitable opportunities.

"We’re always looking at trying to do things within the company where we can sponsor various different charities.

“We’ve done a lot of charity work here in the UK and because of that we get links and contacts.”

Aaban is located in James Street, Oswaldtwistle, and provides care for young people with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other experienced healthcare professionals.