The 19-year-old joined Platform 2 which aims to raise awareness of global development amongst young British adults who would not normally be able to afford the opportunity to volunteer overseas.

Mark's volunteering experience in Peru involved helping construct a toilet facility for a local nursery in Pachacutec during the day, and working with children and young people in the evening.

Mark had a particularly positive experience working with a group of young people on a graffiti project and now that he has returned home Mark plans to work towards a qualification in community education.

He said: "I'm really grateful to have had the opportunity to do something like this – I don't think I would ever have been able to do it on my own."

On his return to the UK, Mark joined other Platform 2 participants to attend a three-day workshop where they devised creative and exciting ways of communicating what they learnt about global issues with friends, family and their local community.

They will continue to build on their life and employment skills by making videos, writing songs, and organising talks and exhibitions.

Organised by Christian Aid, BUNAC and Islamic Relief, the three-year scheme, funded by the Department for International Development, will allow 2,500 participants to experience the realities of overseas development work in countries including Ghana, South Africa, Peru and India.

Craig McCreadie, Platform 2 development officer for Glasgow, said: "These volunteers are having experiences which will transform the rest of their lives. Not only will it give them a chance to learn about, and get involved in, the issues that shape their world, we hope they will learn new skills and unlock the potential within them to be better global citizens."

For more information on Platform2 visit www.myplatform2.com