AN ABERGAVENNY Oxfam volunteer is set to be one of the first workers to set foot in Southern Sudan since the end of its civil war. Jeff Fisher will work alongside other Oxfam representatives to observe and discuss projects that will help improve the lives of the Sudanese. A retired safety officer, Jeff has been a volunteer at the Abergavenny shop for the past two and a half years. He says he chose to get involved with charity work as he wanted to give something back. "My work in health and safety with the pharmaceutical company Warner-Lambert took me to many countries of the world," he said. "Following my experiences in Africa, Asia and South America, I felt that I wanted to give something back to help those less fortunate than ourselves, hence my volunteer work with Oxfam." Jeff believes that his experience in business could really help Oxfam. "I thoroughly enjoy working in the Abergavenny shop, but have been looking for other ways in which I could extend my involvement with Oxfam activities," he continues "Talking to groups of colleagues and speaking at seminars had been another part of my working life, so when the opportunity to use my skills in communicating with others arose, I quickly put my name forward for a place on one of the tours." The tour during October is the first that Oxfam has been able to complete in Southern Sudan since the 50 year long civil war ended two years ago and the local representatives working in that country are keen to show visitors from their overseas their work. "I am pleased that I have been selected and will be working hard on my return to let others know of my experiences," he added. "Next year a big part of my time with Oxfam will be communicating what I have seen and heard with other Oxfam staff and volunteers, together with interested groups and schools." The three-week tour will include visits to three separate regions of Southern Sudan, Mundri and Rumbeck in the south and Upper Nile in the east. In these areas the team will observe and discuss many projects including well and bore-hole drilling operations, water management, agricultural development, equal opportunities for women, hygiene and sanitation and HIV and aids programmes. Following his return from the trip, Jeff would welcome the opportunity to share his experience with as many interested groups as possible throughout 2006 . Anyone interested in booking Jeff Fisher for a talk should contact him or Philip Jones at the Oxfam shop in Abergavenny on (01873) 852201.
