A MELROSE teenager is in Africa hoping to teach the importance of good sexual health.

Lauren Meager, is five weeks into three-month stint in Zambia, a country where 60 per cent of the population live below the poverty line and the average life expectancy in is just 62 – almost 20 years below the UK.

Currently, 1.2 million Zambians live with HIV and there were 20,000 aids-related deaths in the country last year.

The 18-year-old wants to help change that by delivering sex education classes, in an attempt the combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The former Earlston High pupil told us: “Young people in Zambia, particularly those in smaller communities, have had next to no access to sexual and reproductive health information.

"Their knowledge is not only limited in STIs and HIV, but they also suffer as a result of early marriage and teenage pregnancy.

“We have been delivering many sessions in a variety of settings including schools, communities, a prison and youth clubs; and our sessions cover a variety of topics. 

“Most are sexual and reproductive health related, however some are broader and include topics such as career goals and self-esteem.

"After each session we ask the group what they would like to cover next week, meaning we always cover the topics which they need the most information on. 

“Many of the misconceptions around STIs and abortion are shocking, so our next challenge will be creating a ‘youth friendly corner’ in Samfya to offer young people advice and information about sexual health.

"We are currently in the process of planning this and hope to have it completed before we leave Zambia.”

Lauren travelled to Africa as part of the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, which is funded by UK Aid and run by charity Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).

ICS volunteers work alongside local helpers in the poorest communities of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

And before Lauren left for Zambia she raised £1,100 for the charity, so more can benefit from the work of future volunteers.

She added: “I applied to ICS as I was on a gap year after not getting into the university course that I wanted.

“I challenged myself to make a difference and to meet and learn from new people.

"I have done so much more than that and my time in Zambia has given me a passion for international development.

“International development is key to empowering people around the world. VSO’s message of “people first” is the only way to do this. Only by educating and inspiring people will the world change.”

And after returning to Scotland on April 9, Lauren will also take on an Action at Home project, ensuring that her new skills also benefit her local community.

Felicity Morgan, Director of ICS at VSO, said: “ICS volunteers like Lauren 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 to bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities.

"As an organisation working on the frontline against poverty, VSO see how people across Britain play an important role in delivering UK Aid; from the NHS and Army helping end the Ebola crisis; to the millions who donate, and the contribution we all make through a tiny percentage of our taxes.

"Together we are all making the world fairer.”