AN adventurous youngster who beat the bullies at her old school is travelling to Northern Tanzania as part of a World Challenge experience.

Sophia Chambers, 15, will be travelling with a group of other young people to the African country next year.

The Thorpe Hall School pupil will help at a local school carrying out building works and also learn about the culture of the country.

She will be travelling with other teenagers from around the country on the adventure and will have a guide with them.

Her mum, Jeanette, said: “Sophia was badly bullied at school, so we moved her into a new school where she is thriving.

“Everything she is doing and wants to do is to give her more confidence, but more importantly it will give her greater independence.

“This opportunity not only will do all of this, she will also get to meet children who are very poor and be able to support them in getting a good education.

“The joy of other children wanting to spend time with them and the whole experience I am sure will fulfil all her dreams.”

Sophia has also just completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award - which includes learning a skill, hiking and voluntary work - and is waiting to hear whether she has passed, although she is confident that she has.

She will start her silver Duke of Edinburgh award later this year.

Her mum added: “Sophia isn’t concerned she may not know anyone else on the trip.

“She really wants to be able to go on this journey to help others who are less fortunate.”

“The Children will have a guide, but nothing more.

“They will be taken to a camp where they need to source their food, drink and accommodation for the next couple of weeks.

“They will make their way to a local village and help with repairs to the local school, and work with the local children, playing games with them etc.”

The World Challenge is to allow the children to experience life skills, but also to do charitable work while out to there help others who are less fortunate.

Primary school attendance is compulsory in Tanzania, but the number of schools and teachers cannot keep up with the number of pupils.

Therefore, a lot of new schools are needs to be built.

Sophia has to raise the full £2,700 for the trip herself, which includes her flights, meals and accommodation.

She has sold a number of her own items on Ebay to put towards the cost of the trip and is holding a garage sale on Saturday.

This will take place at Paradise Lodge, Tinnocks Lane, St Lawrence Bay, Southminster.

There will be a range of items available and everyone is welcome to browse and pick up a bargain.