A HOMELESS man from Wenvoe will be travelling 4000 miles to Nepal to fight poverty after being selected for an international youth volunteering scheme.

Ethan Forde, 20, will be volunteering with Raleigh International as part of an International Citizen Service programme, helping young Nepali volunteers to help members of the community establish sustainable, community focused businesses that will help people generate their own incomes and lift themselves out of poverty.

Mr Forde said: "I'm currently living as what could be described as 'on the streets' or 'sleeping rough' although I like to avoid these labels.

"I'm backpacking and have a pretty comfortable set up including a hammock, sleeping bag and a roll mat with a tarpaulin used for shelter from the elements.

"The reason I'm choosing to live like this is because I've always had a budding interest in self reliance and outdoor survival skills. Call me mad but mother nature provides bountifully, you just have to learn to listen and figure out where to look."

After being encouraged by staff at Cardiff's Grassroots youth project, Mr Forde applied and was accepted onto the ICS programme.

"When I heard I’d be accepted, I was so excited," he said. "I did a celebratory dance with everyone in the room as soon as I heard.

"I can’t wait to start work on my project and meet the family I’ll be living with. Learning their customs and getting settled into an entirely new culture will be an incredible experience. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact I’ll be spending 10 weeks in a different country.

"I’d encourage anyone else my age to apply for ICS. Seriously, just drop whatever you’re doing and apply right now."

Before he leaves for Nepal, Mr Forde must raise £800 for Raleigh International, which will go towards helping developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers.

Earlier this month he cycled from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons, climbed Pen y Fan and spent two nights camping alone to raise money.

To sponsor Mr Forde visit www.justgiving.com/ethanforde or text POTT52 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.volunteerics.org/volunteer-ivo