School trip to Africa in jeopardy due to cuts (From Bucks Free Press)

Wye Valley School trip to Africa could be hit by cuts

1:20pm Sunday 22nd January 2012 in Education By Jade Coulon

School trip to Africa in jeopardy due cuts

CUTS made to school funding has threatened sixth formers' charity trip to a Zambian High School.

For the past six years, pupils at Wye Valley School in Bourne End have made an annual trip to Libala High School in Lusaka, as part of a partnership project.

But their next visit to the African country in March will be cancelled if the pupils cannot raise the £8,000 needed.

During the trips, the teens have set up IT rooms at the school with 43 computers, donated text books, pencils, exercise books and science equipment and taught sports leadership and mentoring skills to Zambian students.

The pupils also visit primary schools and a nursery for HIV infected infants, where they donate books, toys, trainers and colouring pencils.

Head of sixth form Sue Pomeroy said: “It is a fantastic project and one which I personally feel very strongly about. To see the effect it has on our students and the people out there is awesome - truly life changing.”

The 23 sixth formers each pay £750 of the £1200 needed, with the rest of the balance found through fundraising.

In the past, the school has received a £5,000 grant from the Sports College fund to help with the costs, but this has been cut by the government.

Mrs Pomeroy said: “If anyone has any ideas about how we can get this extra money I would love to hear from you. Perhaps you have partners or neighbours who work for companies that might be able to help, anything would be appreciated.”

Contact Mrs Pomeroy on 01628819022 if you can help.