I am swapping my Mulberry  for a backpack and high heels for sandals, have volunteered as part of AfiD (Accounting for International Development) and am heading to Malawi.  

Malawi is the tenth poorest country in the world. It’s the most densely populated country in Africa with few natural resources: HIV/AIDS, low educational attainment and deforestation are some of its more serious challenges and poverty is showing no signs of improvement. 

I will be part of the finance team for a non-government organisation COYIDA for two weeks helping them to improve their accounting systems and make the most of their charitable donations. The main pull for me being a Mummy first and foremost is the difference that the charity money is making to the Orphanage.

In many developing countries the role of the accountant is still completely alien to the local population. My fundamental objective is to help elevate the profile of local finance staff, ensuring they have the confidence and the ability to become a key feature in the organisation’s decision making process and to help create new role models within their local communities.