Posted: 06/07/09
College mission to help African orphans
Students and staff from West Nottinghamshire College are flying out to Africa this week to work with needy orphans and schoolchildren.
A Level students Abigail Price, 19, and Samuel Allen, 20, and hairdressing student Nicky Swinscoe, 18, jet off to Ghana on Wednesday (8 July) as part of a volunteering project in the village of Mpraeso.
Joining them are Students’ Union president Luke Frakes and schools liaison co-ordinator Emma Leaver.
The group will spend two weeks with children aged between six and 17 at the village’s orphanage and school, where they plan to get them involved in sporting activities and team-building events and talk to them about life in Africa.
The Volunteering Abroad project is aimed at allowing the students to experience different cultures and make a positive contribution to overseas communities.
They chose Mpraeso as they want to make a difference to a community which they feel deserves attention and forge new connections with young people.
The group has funded the trip by raising £3,200 from various money-spinning activities including raffles, tombolas, social events and donations from local businesses.
Luke said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve achieved our fundraising target to pay for our flights and accommodation and are really looking forward to joining the children in Ghana.
“I think the idea of experiencing new cultures will really open our eyes to many things and we’re looking forward to helping out in the village in any way we can.
“We can’t wait to share our stories with everyone when we get back.”
