Here, Emma explains what led her to take a year out of her employment, at a time when many in her position would prefer to focus on their career progression.

“People often ask me why I become Project HOPE volunteer. What is it that moved me from my job in London working in the marketing department of a pharmaceutical company to a year of voluntary work?

My answer is that I felt compelled to make that move and do something tangible. The more I heard, through my company, GlaxoSmithKline of the work Project HOPE do around the world, the more compelled I felt to add my contribution.

Project HOPE’s mission really resonated with me, expressed in the words of its founder, Dr William B. Walsh: ‘Those more fortunate do not have the obligation to take care of the world, but because of their blessings, they have a responsibility to help the world take care of itself’.

So, with the help of the Project HOPE UK and support of my employers I planned a year where I would work as a volunteer for the charity and assist at three of their programs in the developing world – South Africa, Thailand and China.

It is a fantastic opportunity and will be a challenging year and it means a lot to me to be given the chance to help others who are less fortunate than myself.”

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Emma's year with Project HOPE UK takes her to South Africa, Thailand and China.

Read about her experiences in South Africa by clicking on "Recent Projects / Emma's Year of HOPE" above.