Two sixth form pupils are hoping to raise more than £6,000 each so they can spend a year teaching in Africa.
St Martin’s Comprehensive pupils Daniel Gittings, 18, and Jude Williams, 17, are both hoping to start their African adventure later this year.
The pair felt inspired after a talk at the school by a speaker from Project Trust – a charity which aims to give students the opportunity to teach abroad.
Head of Sixth Form Hayley McCallion said: “The talk wasn’t compulsory and Jude elected to attend. Daniel actually attended by accident.
“He came in my room to use the computers to do some work and overheard the speaker and decided to pursue it. He says he feels it was meant to be.”
To take part in the scheme, the two boys had to attend a week-long selection process, which was held on the Isle of Coll, off the west coast of Scotland, in November.
While in Scotland, the duo took part in team building tasks, skills-based challenges, problem solving tasks and emotional intelligence tests before being chosen to take part in the scheme.
Daniel, who is hoping to head to South Africa to work with disadvantaged young people, said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to meet different people from different cultures and backgrounds.”
He also said he “loves the idea of helping others meet their full potential”.
“I’m mostly excited but I do have some worries about being outside of my comfort zone. I think it will all be worth it when I can start seeing my work makes a difference,” Daniel added.
Meanwhile, Jude is hoping to go to Zambia to teach teach science, technology, engineering and maths.
Jude said: “I really want to experience teaching and share my skills with others and this seemed like the perfect opportunity as there is a shortage of science teachers in the country where I can give back to those less fortunate than myself.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing a different culture and living in basic conditions as I know I’ll have to develop as a person.”
As part of their fundraising efforts, the boys will take part in a 10k run and help with bag packing at supermarkets.
Daniel is planning on running a raffle and a charity football tournament between teachers and students at his school, while Jude plans to work with his old primary school and take part in sponsored events.
Jude’s fundraising page can be found at obv.sr/smafrica1, while Daniel’s page is obv.sr/smafrica2.