ST ROBERTS’ SCHOOL PAPER
Eight eager students from St Robert of Newminster have dedicated to completing a 24-month programme of fundraising, planning, training and money management in preparation for a transformative expedition to Swaziland in the summer of 2017.
The developmental programme, managed by World Challenge expeditions, will help the sixth form students to learn about responsibility, leadership, planning, and teamwork as well as physical, mental and emotional confrontation.
World Challenge significantly differs from any other school trip as it is designed to be student-led, and an experience which places young adults in a strong position to make the most of their future careers.
Mr Miller, trip Leader, stated: “It’s important to pupils because it challenges them to overcome barriers in society and live independently; not forgetting to have fun.”
Fundraising events have occurred throughout the year to raise valuable funds towards the expedition, including bag-packing at a nearby supermarket, cake sales throughout the school year and car washing at weekends.Theobjectivehasbeen to raise a £2,500 fee for each student taking part, so they didn’t have to rely on their families’ pockets!
This summer, the team will depart for Swaziland, led by our teachers, Miss Armstrong, Mr Miller and a World Challenge leader, who will be ensuring the safety of our team.
Miss Armstrong told us: “I am looking forward to it.
“It will be hard and challenging but it is going to be life- changing by exploring and working alongside members of different communities”
Throughout the expedition, the students will al- ternate roles such as leader, accountant, cook, health and safety officer and transport co-ordinator to operate efficiently as a team.
During the two-week expedition, they will complete acclimatisation activities, a four-day trek around Mololotja and a project in accompaniment, with the Nkhanini Neighbourhood Care point.
This will involve building an outdoor education shelter for an orphanage.
Although there will be time for rest and relaxation, the students are particularly focused on the project phase where they will serve the needs of the community as much as possible.