Thanks to Y13 Student, Samuel Rosewell for this report from Christ the King College. Ed
This summer a group of nine students and three teachers took part in a World Challenge trip to Ethiopia.
Two weeks in Gondar
This comprised two weeks working on a project in a school in a town called Gondar and a further two weeks trekking in the mountains of Ethiopia’s national parks.
Those who took part in the trip were, Sam Rosewell, Emma Forest, Matthew Honor, Polly Hayden, Ash Gibbs, Darren Selwood, Ryan Tulloch, Sarah Tinsley, Beth Rayner, with Mr Stolborg, Miss Betts and Mr Merry, plus a leader called Pete Massey from World Challenge.
Preparation and fundraising
We spent almost a year fundraising towards the cost and getting fit in preparation for the physical demands of the trip.
The work we did at the school was partly helping to build classrooms using basic local materials, which was hard work, and also devising games and lessons for the children there. This was really enjoyable and much appreciated by them all. We took out some gifts, such as balls and pens, and the sort of things we all take for granted here.
Brought a “new perspective on life”
Contrary to what you might think about Africa, it actually rained a lot of the time whilst we were out there. The trek up the mountains was very physically demanding, but really worthwhile.
It was a fantastic experience as not many people, let alone students of our age, have done anything like it. All of us have returned with a completely new perspective on life.
“A life-changing experience”
College Principal, Mrs Pat Goodhead, said
“Having spoken to the students since their return, this has quite clearly been a life-changing experience for them.
“I am extremely proud of their dedication, commitment and resilience on such an amazing expedition and, of course, for the wonderful work they did for the African community. Their work will have a lasting impact.”
