Hannah heads to Africa (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Hannah heads to Africa

10:00am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Local By Cadisha Brown

A KIDDERMINSTER graduate is jetting off to Ghana to teach youngsters about a genetic blood disorder.

Hannah Escott, 22, is set to head out to the African country this afternoon to spend five weeks working with children in the capital Accra.

The former King Charles I School pupil will be part of a group of eight volunteers who will be running a film-making project about sickle cell anemia – a disease in which red blood cells form an abnormal sickle or crescent shape.

They will teach the children about the disorder and then help the youngsters make their own film about what they have learned.

”I’m so excited to go and experience a completely different culture,”

said Miss Escott, who studied geography and psychology at Dundee University.

“I have no idea what to expect. I know when I get out there it will be completely different to what I’m used to.”

The trip has been organised by charity Akosia – which brings creative projects to street and working children in Ghana, Mexico and Mongolia – and the Gifty Foundation, a charity that helps youngsters in Ghana learn more about the disease.

Miss Escott, of Holmcroft Road, had an interview for the voluntary role and has been given the title of head of research and teaching.

“I can’t believe I have got the opportunity to do it,“ said Miss Escott, who will be staying in a hostel. “It stood out to me as being different because it’s working directly with the kids.

“We have got to make two films in five weeks. It’s going to be non-stop work all the time.

“It’s going to be pretty hectic so I’m looking forward to it.”

She added: “For me research is really important. I want to go into research and this is something that is a fantastic opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on really.”