Award Winning Andrew West: Update from the Houses of Parliament

Andrew West copyright 2012

Winning the ICS photography competition and having my photography exhibited at the Houses of Parliament was a bonus! Travelling to Honduras and working with the human rights organisation Jóvenes Liderando Cambios and Progressio as part of the ICS scheme was fantastic, in 3 months I gained so much experience.

It was great to get the chance to explain more about my experiences to MPs. Presenting our work in the Houses of Parliament felt like a great achievement.  Here’s a short teaser I produced and an extract from my speech on 8th October 2013: 

Andrew West-Making the speechI wanted to learn about another culture and capture the way they lived. I honestly couldn’t believe this kind of opportunity was available because of the financial cost involved and so when I saw it pop up on my University email how could I turn it down? It was an opportunity to have a possibly life changing experience and the chance to improve the lives of people who are far less fortunate then myself.

My action at home plan is to produce a 20-minute documentary titled, The ICS journey. In my time in Honduras I have been filming our entire journey and I hope to change the perception of volunteering for many young people through this documentary.

I met some amazing people and did so many things I will never get the chance to do again whilst undergoing the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done, changing peoples lives. I thoroughly recommend ICS to all 18-25 year olds, challenge your perception of poverty and everything else in the world.  Here’s my website if you’d like to see more of my photos.