Masai charity mission for Mazin

Final year Medical Genetics student Mazin Mirza (pictured) is planning to live amongst the Masaai tribespeople of Kenya and raise money for charity.

On June 8 Mazin, from Oadby, Leicester, will set off for a three-month charity expedition to southern Kenya, near the Tanzania border, with Voluntary Services Overseas.

Mazin, who has previously collected £2,450 for Childreach International - where he completed a sponsored climb to Everest base camp and volunteered amongst communities in Nepal - now needs to raise £1,500.

He said: “I will be living with members of the Maasai people and work with them in a securing livelihood project which aims to alleviate poverty, generate income, improve living standards and raise awareness on important issues.

“As part of my volunteering commitment I have been tasked with raising £1,500 towards the charity programme that will help continue the great efforts of this programme and continue international support for some of the most poverty stricken areas across the world.

“I am travelling just days after my final exams and upon my return I have a place at Medical School to become a doctor, so I hope to continue to work with disadvantaged communities across the world.

“My parents are originally from Kenya so alongside my interest to visit their birthplace, it is a real privilege and honour to be able to work for VSO and contribute to the fantastic work they do across the globe.

“I am so excited about the prospect of living amongst the Masaai. Any support, no matter how little, will go a long way towards helping the communities there.”

In order to achieve his fundraising target, Mazin will be doing a sponsored 10km run, organizing cake sales and enlisting the support of friends and family.

To support Mazin’s appeal for Kenya visit his JustGiving page.