Young Dartford Woman Overall Winner in International Photography Competition

by | Nov 21, 2017 | Dartford News

A young Dartford woman, who spent three months volunteering on an international development project in Nicaragua, is the overall winner in an international photography competition.

Amy Smith - MariaAmy Smith’s photo was chosen from over 300 entries globally, in a competition to capture the impact and experiences of volunteers around the world on the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme. Her entry won Best Overall Image. It depicts a portrait of a Nicaraguan woman, Maria Fulgencio at her home in San José de Paiwas, Nicaragua.

Amy Smith, 26, took the photo whilst volunteering in Nicaragua from January to March 2017 with international development organisation Raleigh. She worked with young local volunteers on a project ensuring that people in the community had access to decent toilet and water facilities, which can hugely reduce sickness and diarrhoea.

Amy said: “Maria suffers from severe arthritis and struggles to get around. My team supported Maria and her husband by improving the local environment around their home, clearing debris and constructing a path. We also worked in the local community to build eco latrines and raise awareness of hygiene and sanitation, which we did by leading educational sessions in schools and also working with community health promoters to talk about these topics during house to house visits.”

The winning photos will be displayed at Pop Brixton, a community business and events space in London, from 20th November until 2nd December. The exhibition is sponsored by Wanderlust magazine and City Academy, and entry is free.

Since 2012, ICS has sent more than 15,000 young people from the UK to volunteer on projects abroad, alongside young volunteers from the country they’re in. Young people don’t need cash or qualifications to take part, just the motivation and commitment to make a difference.

Felicity Morgan, Director of ICS at VSO, said: “These photos invite you into the world of ICS volunteers. Volunteering overseas isn’t just about travelling and experiencing new cultures, it’s about making a real difference to the community you’re in. By working on properly planned, long-term projects and living with local families, our volunteers are able to immerse themselves in a new way of living, as well as making a difference.”

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.volunteerics.org.

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...