A TEENAGER is set to put her dreams of university on hold to help fight an epidemic in South Africa.

Kerry Smith, of Huggate, near Pocklington, is to embark on a nine-month trip next year, after winning a place with the charity Student Partnership Worldwide.

The 17-year-old is currently taking her A-levels at Pocklington's Woldgate School.

But in 12 months' time, Kerry will swap East Yorkshire for Cape Town in an effort to combat the rise of HIV and Aids.

South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world. Estimates show the number of infections has increased more than 30 times over the last decade.

Kerry said she wanted to help make a difference, in a country where women are four times more likely to contract HIV than men.

She needs to raise £3,000 to secure a place on the trip, and "do something worth while in my gap year".

When she returns, Kerry hopes to finally take up a place at Leeds University, if her A-levels go to plan.

"The numbers of people infected with HIV is incredible," she said. "Sixty per cent of girls under 19 have HIV.

"It is a problem which needs dealing with, although obviously I cannot solve it personally. I just want to help make a difference.

"After I have completed a training programme in Cape Town, I will be staying with a family. I am really looking forward to the trip.

"I need to raise £3,000. I have had a good start and already have £400. I am appealing to anyone in North Yorkshire or the East Riding who can help.

"There is nothing that makes this trip special, but I just think this is a chance to do something worth while.

"People don't realise what a problem HIV and Aids is in South Africa. This trip is not about education, it's about changing attitudes."

Anyone who wants to help Kerry should phone her on 01377 288173.

Updated: 11:14 Tuesday, January 08, 2002