A lucky group of students have just returned from Africa after spending a fortnight in Tanzania.

37 students studying A Levels or the International Baccalaureate took part in The Tanzania Project which involved building work, going on safari and visiting orphanages.

Staying at The International School in Moshi, the students were able to experience first hand African culture, as well as helping to improve the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in the local area. “It felt really good to know that we have helped these kids by building their school” says student Owen Marshall “you don’t appreciate what you have until you visit somewhere like this.”

The trip was a real eye-opener for the students, including their discovery that the schools couldn’t even afford to provide their pupils with textbooks that cost just 17p each. “They are kicking a bag of rags around as a football” said student Tom Roberts.

As well as the hard work put into the laying the foundations and cementing breeze blocks at the site schools, the students were able to have fun on a waterfall walk, at a culture night and by buying gifts and souvenirs from the nearby villages. “My favourite part of the trip was the safari” says student Georgina Cotton. “We got to see a lion preying on a zebra, hippos, giraffes and elephants. It was amazing.”

The IB students on the trip were also able to accumulate community, action and service (CAS) hours that count towards their diploma accreditation. All of the students undertook the building project with outstanding enthusiasm. Trip Leader and Tutor Manager at Taunton’s College Kerry Pringle said: “We are so proud of what the students have achieved in such a short amount of time.” She continued: “just laying a few foundations and providing things that we take for granted like books, pens and toys made all the difference to the Tanzanian children and their families.”

Preparations have already begun for the fundraising of next year’s trip.

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