A Belvedere student is fundraising for £7,500 to help two children's charities in Zimbabwe.

Mima Mayo will be travelling for a month and a half to help the Forgotten Voices and Restoration of Hope charities with voluntary work.

Speaking to News Shopper the 17-year-old said: “We take things for granted.

“It is not about me, it’s about being human, everyone deserves a chance and opportunity.

“Being British and being fortunate enough to get on a plane anywhere is a privilege.

“We are all part of it but how many are standing up to do something about it?”

The Townley Grammar School pupil has been going to Zimbabwe every year for the last 16 years.

Her love for the country - where she says has witnessed abject poverty first hand - has spurred her on to study International Development at university, as well as think about her own family history.

News Shopper:
Proud Dad Million Moyo, Mima and her little brother Fortma

Her family, including Dad Million Moyo and her little brother Fortma, are backing her all the way.

Mima said: “The long term goal is to get to university.

“I think from my parents advice, Zimbabwe is my roots.

“‘You have to remember that,’ my Mum said.

“Some of it is from my parents influence - where you come from - but you have to have interest in it.

“Some people want to go back but are not in a position to do it.”

Mima needs to raise £1,500 for her travel and living expenses while raising £6,000 to give to the two charities.

Restoration of Hope is a non-profit organisation which helps provide emotional and psychological support to empower socially vulnerable and economically disenfranchised children while Forgotten Voices aims to innovate orphan care, catalyzing a sustainable, community-based response to the orphan crisis.

To find out more about the young adventureer and to donate visit www.gofundme.com/mimasmission