THE lives of women in Rwanda are being transformed, with a little help from a young volunteer from Oxford.

Daniel Greener, originally from Cutteslowe, is currently 4,000 miles from home helping to improve the lives of women and girls in Tumba and Rango in the south of the country.

On International Women’s Day last week Mr Greener spoke out about his experiences and encouraged other young Brits to get involved.

The 22-year-old said: “Every day we go out to meet communities, I can see that we’re making a long lasting positive contribution to communities in Rango and Tumba.

“I’m really excited to see the progress we can make over the next few weeks.”

Mr Greener travelled to Rwanda through the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, funded by UK aid.

This places volunteers in some of the world’s poorest communities and helps them gain skills and experience.

Until April 23, he is working as part of a team of British and Rwandan volunteers to help women develop their entrepreneurial skills, awareness of human rights and understanding of nutrition and hygiene.

He is working with community leaders, school staff and women’s organisations and has joined up with rights-based development charity International Service.

Also involved is local organisation Let Us Transform Life Initiative, which works to educate women and young people on their right to health, gender equality, and a quality education.

More than half of Rwanda’s population live in extreme poverty, with only 63 per cent of girls completing their primary education.

This means they are more likely to live in poverty, as adults and do not possess the skills needed to earn an independent income.

When he returns home Mr Greener will use his new skills to help benefit people in the UK, as part of the ‘Action at Home’ project.

Felicity Morgan, Director of ICS, said: “ICS volunteers like Daniel are doing amazing work around the world, every day.

“Our volunteers have helped promote children’s rights in Nigeria, campaign against child marriage in Bangladesh and bring safe drinking water to communities in Nepal.

“We’re incredibly proud that UK aid is supporting young Brits bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities...and then also applying their time and effort in projects in their local communities in the UK and we’d love more young people from Oxford to take that first step and apply.”

See www.internationalservice.org.uk