To raise additional funding for her placement, Claire has been busy organising various events: "So far, there has been a coffee morning at our local community centre here in Frankfield and one at a cousin's house in Midleton. Also, I ran a raffle among the staff at UCC. Everyone has been so generous and so supportive and I can't thank them enough."

As well as fundraising, Claire has been busy with pre-departure training: "I have already completed a training programme at the Irish Centre for Development Studies in Kimmage, Dublin. When I arrive in Nigeria, I will undergo a week-long orientation. Luckily, the first language of the community I will be working with is English.

However, as a native language is used too, I will also be doing a short, language course during the orientation period."

Although Claire is well-travelled, having spent a year in Germany as part of her university studies and having toured extensively through South East Asia, she expects that living in a Nigerian environment will prove challenging: "In comparison to here, there are huge environmental differences.

"Initially, I know that I will find those hard to cope with. But, the training I received will help me to adjust."

On her return to Ireland, Claire intends to resume her studies by commencing a Masters in Humanitarian Action at University College Dublin: "This will qualify me to work in the field of humanitarian aid in the future.

"Hopefully, the practical experience I will gain in Nigeria will be of help to me in the degree course, which is an inter-university programme between seven European colleges, including a Dutch and Spanish university."

Claire will depart for Nigeria on 7 July. She will be accompanied by fellow-volunteer Michelle Healy, a secondary school teacher from Waterford, who trained with her in the pre-departure programme.

Meanwhile, Claire will continue to raise funds for her forthcoming trip. On Friday 4 July, she will hold a table quiz at Douglas GAA clubhouse at 8.30pm. A table of four costs €20. For further details email Claire at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Also, an account of Claire's eight-week experience in Nigeria will be available through an on-line blog: globalawarenessnigeria2008.blogspot.com.