A YOUNG campaigner will be spending her gap year fighting climate change.

Sophie Pereira, 18, from Colchester is set to spend a year working with children and young people to raise awareness around global issues and the climate crisis.

A Step into the Gap programme run by Catholic aid agency CAFOD helps people aged 18 to 30 develop leadership skills through a year-long placement.

Joining seven other gap year volunteers, Sophie will be working with youth groups to promote Eyes of the World, a creative youth-led campaign which uses “eye” displays to urge national and international leaders to support vulnerable communities affected by the climate crisis at the climate conference COP26 in November.

On why she chose to dedicate her gap year to the cause, Sophie said: “My mum really inspires me.

“Over the years, she has inspired me to use kindness and love in her daily life, helping those in need and dedicating her life to putting others before herself.

“I really admire how kind-hearted and caring she is, and I am incredibly grateful to be her daughter.

“Step into the Gap is a wonderful opportunity to educate myself on the global issues around the world and fight for global justice, it’s a great way to make a real impact.”

CAFOD’s young leadership team co-ordinator Julia Corcoran added: “Our gap year volunteers will be based in their placements working with children and young people to raise awareness about global justice issues and the work of CAFOD.

“This year is such a vital year for the world in order to respond to the climate emergency we’re facing, and we know that it’s impacting those we work with around the world hardest.

“By volunteering with us this year, the volunteers have an opportunity to get involved and to know that their actions are bringing about change.”

For more information, visit cafod.org.uk/Education/For-young-people/CAFOD-Gap-year.