Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?
I have a keen interest in Malawi, and wanted to get involved with the festival and it's music, and improve my music photography portfolio.
What did you do?
I covered a warm-up event and a youth talent showcase for LoS in London, and was a photographer at the festival in Malawi. I was given a detailed brief to follow, which I worked with the other photographer, Mark, to cover. This wasn't just covering the acts on stage and sponsor branding. Assignments also included a visit to a Microloan Foundation project in Mangochi, which was very inspiring to see, and the Pamodzi Cup football tournament between local village football teams, organised to encourage people to get tested for HIV.
What next?
I want to to more music and travel photography in future, and hope to stay in touch with and support LoS. This has also been invaluable experience in seeing how to work with volunteers and organise events, which is useful for the work I do for Ganet's Adventure School Fund to help a village primary school near Nkhata Bay, Malawi.
Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?
Absolutely. There are many volunteer organisations out there, so do your research and be sure to choose one, like LoS and vinspired, which values its volunteers and doesn't simply exploit them. It's a great chance to get involved with an area which isn't necessarily part of your current career. If you work in a very commercial environment, as I do, then it's a great opportunity to use your skills to give something back to the the community. Make sure that you have an idea of what you want to get out of the experience beforehand, and then get stuck in!
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