An Ochiltree teen is trying to raise funds to help deliver lifesaving skills as part of a United Nations mission to improve human lives and protect the environment.

Shannon Frew has been given the opportunity as a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer (PSYV) to implement a project as part of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The UNDP works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment through the sustainable development of nations. It attempts to achieve this through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, where it helps to tackle poverty, inequality and exclusion. It also helps these nations to develop policies to encourage economic growth and environmental management.

Shannon, a pupil at Auchinleck Academy, plans to deliver her own first aid program to schools in East Ayrshire. Her Save a Life program will meet three of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – good health and wellbeing, gender equality and good education.

The 15-year-old hopes that her Save a Life program will see her selected so that she can to continue it via the UNDP in either Malawi or Zambia.

Shannon told the Chronicle: “My project is going to be Save a Life. I’m hoping to take it to local primary schools and academies and deliver it.

“I’ll give them some demonstrations and they can ask questions, there’ll be practical work, recovery position, first aid. I’ll find out in a month or two if I’m selected for Zambia or Malawi but if not, I’d still go round the schools [to deliver save a Life]. There’s no point in wasting all the hard work I’ve put into it.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity and knowing I can give back to the community – to an undeveloped country – it’s fantastic.

“I would like to fundraise to deliver it. Even if people can donate first aid kits, that would be great, because I’d like to supply them to the schools.”

Shannon’s mum Carolyn said: “She’s generous in giving her time up. She feels as if she makes a difference.”

Shannon is fundraising to help her implement her Save a Life program. She would also welcome donations of first aid kits.

Email Shannon at savealife160@gmail.com to help.