Over the Easter break, fifteen lucky STEM students went on a two-week trip to South Africa. The trip was fully funded by the UK government's Turing scheme, which provides funding for international education and training opportunities.
The students spent 20 days in Cape Town, volunteering in sports and working with children from local schools.
The trip started with a community tour to the townships of Langa and Khayelitsha, where they saw how the residents live and learned about some of the hardships they face daily, such as only having communal taps and toilets, the small shacks housing large families, the danger of fire and lack of food.
While volunteering, the students were involved at GAPA (Grannies Against Poverty and Aids), IKASI Soccer School, and Mokone Primary School in Langa. They worked with children between the ages of 5 and 15, leading activities and playing sports such as Netball, Football, Rounders, and Catch the Flag. It was valuable to both our students and the South African children to exchange and share different experiences together.
During the weekends, the students visited some of the tourist attractions in Cape Town and had the opportunity to compare the differences between the wealthier parts of the city and the areas that were in poverty. They also visited Table Mountain, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, Signal Hill, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the District 6 Museum, as well as a Peninsula Tour and visit to Cape Point.
Year 10 Student Lorraine said:
"This trip has taught me to be more grateful for everything I have. I have experienced another culture and what it is like to live away from family. It was the trip of a lifetime. It has given me a new perspective. I am so grateful to have received this opportunity.”
Mrs Tustin-Reeves, who accompanied the students, said:
"I am proud of all the students for their hard work and resilience throughout the trip. It was an amazing experience that the students will never forget!"