Westcliff pupils will visit school in Ghana (From Southend Standard)

Westcliff pupils will visit school in Ghana

7:10am Saturday 26th May 2012 in Southend

DEDICATED pupils from a Westcliff school will travel 5,000 miles to help youngsters less fortunate than themselves.

A team of eight sixth formers from Chase High School will experience everyday life in a remote Ghanaian village during the trip.

Chase is keen to support its link school in Africa, by sending the group to volunteer for two weeks, teaching a range of subjects from English language, IT and PE, to helping with light construction work.

The youngsters will also live, sleep and eat in the homes of native African families.

With no toilet facilities or running water, in the small village of Nkanfoa, the experience could be a shock for the eight teenagers.

Lucy Dellow, 18, said: “I’m really excited I’ve been chosen.

“I think this will be a life-changing experience.”

The students had to undergo a difficult process to secure the limited spots on the trip, with a written application and tough interview process.

Chase High School and the Rev Alec Jones Methodist Memorial School, in Ghana, were first linked in 2008.

The Chase youngsters have been hard at work raising money for the trip, organising events including selling Ghana-themed cakes.

They are also running a pamper evening for members of the public, from 6.30pm on Thursday, May 31, featuring hair and beauty treatments, jewellery, clothing and tarot reading.

Assistant head Clare McLewin will accompany the students to Ghana, between June 11 and 26.

She said: “This experience is important for students at our link school in Ghana and our students at Chase High. It will help them develop their skills, while also providing mutual support across the continents.”

Chase High School is still seeking sponsors for the visit. To find out more call Sarah Roberts on 0844 477 3566.