Pupils up for the challenge appeal for support

PUPILS are appealing for public support in a bid to raise money for a trip of a lifetime to Malaysia.

Senior pupils of Ardnamurchan high school are going to the country as part of World Challenge Malaysia, a project that will see them embrace independence and help others during their visit.

Twelve high school pupils aged 15-17 from Ardnamurchan and Mallaig high schools will fund the two week trip and take responsibility for the planning and financial budgeting of the trip.

They each have to raise £ 2,500 for their visit, scheduled for June, where they will trek the Cameron Highlands rainforest and support a community project.

Charlie Pleming, 17, has just £ 500 left to raise. She said: ‘It is going to be a very different experience for us. The sense of achievement from the fundraising alone is really good for us. Caitlin Borwick - who is also taking part - and I walked 19 miles from Kilchoan to Salen to raise money for the trip.’

Pupils have hosted sales and sold books, home baking, woodwork and even raffled off a signed football shirt. The teenagers have yet to choose a community project to work on while they are in Malaysia, but say it will be an orphanage or a school. The trip will be led by a member of the school staff team from each high school.

Kate Rough, geography teacher and faculty principal of Ardnamurchan, said: ‘This is about setting personal goals and achieving them. The kids will have control over how they spend their money when they get there and have been researching food and costs.’

The challenge is part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, in which all the pupils have taken part.

For more information or how to donate, contact the school on 01397 700105.