With an honours degree in Law and German under her belt, Claire Tadla has the world at her feet. Yet, instead of seeking out a high-flying career for herself, the 23-year old, UCC graduate has decided to give something back.

Relaxing at her home in Frankfield, Douglas where she lives with her parents Catherine and John, Claire recalls how she first became interested in helping those in need: "Last year, as part of a UCC delegation, I went to New York to participate in a Model United Nations Conference. I sat on a committee which dealt with humanitarian issues and this sparked my interest in helping others."

On a gap year at present, Claire is busy preparing for an eight-week stay in Nigeria during which she will work as a volunteer: "I will be working with Living Hope Care, an organisation which offers support through home-based care to people living with HIV. My work will involve creating awareness there about HIV and AIDS prevention."

In Nigeria, there are more than three million people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2004, at least 300,000 Nigerians died from AIDS and there were two million AIDS orphans. Claire stresses: "We must continue to fight against AIDS and to help those affected to access medication which can help them live longer."

In addition to creating awareness in Nigeria about HIV and AIDS prevention, Claire will also gather information to use here later in research and awareness activities, especially in the run-up to World AIDS Day on 1 December.

While working in Nigeria, she will stay with a local family in the small, semi-urban community of Ilesa. Claire says: "Generally, the conditions in Ilesa are quite poor, and, although its water supply is adequate, its electricity supply is erratic."

Originally, to gain acceptance as a volunteer, Claire applied to EIL Intercultural Learning, a non-profit organisation which arranges cultural and educational travel exchanges and volunteer placements worldwide.

Its head office is based at Summerhill North, Cork. Claire explains: "They run a 'Global Awareness Programme' each year, which is a scholarship programme. Participants of the course aim to raise awareness of the issues surrounding both HIV and AIDS while on placement in Nigeria and also on their return to Ireland."

Having successfully completed the application, interview and presentation process, Claire was awarded a scholarship from the organisation towards her flight and accommodation.