Students from Stoke on Trent College are being giving a once in a life time opportunity to visit South Africa to learn about the country’s history and culture – and find out more about life there after apartheid.
Twenty-two students will be taking part in the trip, under the Challenge South Africa programme.
The Challenge South Africa programme centres around equality and diversity, teaching the young learners about the history of South Africa and encouraging interaction with local people, with the students witnessing their day-to-day lives.
Included in the itinerary for the 11 day tour is a tour of Robben Island, where they will see the cell Nelson Mandela was held captive – as well as a visit to the Khayalitsha AIDS orphanage.
Stoke on Trent College is holding a farewell event for those taking part on Friday, February 11, at the Cauldon Campus’s Student Union from 3pm to 4pm.
A number of organisations from the local community will be in attendance to see the students off, including Stoke North MP Joan Walley and Sir Stanley Matthews’ daughter, Jean Gough, representing the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation.
The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation – which raises money to encourage young people to take part in sport and to achieve through sport – has been working closely with the College in the run up to the trip.
Their involvement has resulted in a large donation of sports equipment being taken by the College to South Africa to give to the local schools out there.
Demi Fox, 19, a Health and Social Care student from Ball Green, said, “This is such an amazing opportunity and I feel so lucky to be a part of something so life changing.
“I can’t wait to get out there and start getting involved with all the local children and to make a difference. I am so grateful the College has given me this once in a lifetime chance to be part of something so extraordinary.”
Any student from any course at the College can apply for the trip. The selected students have then had to raise £600 each by organising their own fundraising events before jetting off on February 15.
Bag packing, sponsored bicycle rides and sponsored walks are just a few things the students have been doing the last nine months to raise money for their trip.
Calvin Austin, a Learner Involvement Co-ordinator at Stoke on Trent College, said, ” The South Africa Challenge is a unique opportunity for personal development, which will provide our students with the chance to learn the history and culture of South Africa.
“The trip is a brilliant opportunity for our students to work together towards something they care about.
“They have all shown great enthusiasm and commitment to raising the necessary funds and I am proud of each of them.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Stoke on Trent College:
Stoke on Trent College is one of the largest colleges in the UK, with the facilities, support and resources to match.
It aims to equip people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace – with a strong focus on practical courses that work – for young people, adults and employers.
Stoke on Trent College is at the heart of the city’s regeneration agenda. The new Lifestyle Building at the Cauldon Campus is the first building in the University Quarter programme to be completed. It provides industry-leading training in child studies, beauty and holistic studies, hairdressing, health and social care, hospitality and catering.
On the Burslem Campus, the world class John Seddon Building Technology Centre is equipping local people with the necessary skills needed in the construction industry in the 21st century.
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Ltd. 01538 308685/308099 jane@shepherd-pr.com