A group of sixth formers embarked on the trip of a lifetime when they visited the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This was the second time Bishops’ Blue Coat High School in Great Boughton had taken students to the country following an earlier visit in 2014.
This year the trip was aiming to further develop the school’s link with the Diocese of Aru in the north of the country, which was set up on the back of the Aru-Chester-Boga Link in which the Diocese of Chester already participates.
The trip was again the culmination of a year of hard work and fundraising on the part of the students, who had raised more than £5,000 towards their costs through a range of activities in and out of school.
After more than 24 hours of travelling, the students, accompanied by geography teacher Catherine Thursby and deputy head of art Helen Smith, arrived in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
From here there was another long journey by road to reach the northern border town of Vurra, where they crossed into the Democratic Republic of Congo and received a warm welcome from school pupils and members of the local diocese.
The trip continued the cultural exchange which started in 2014 with visits to villages, schools and the local medical centre.
The Bishops’ students made their own contribution to life in Aru by holding IT classes for local pupils to attend during their summer holidays while the school staff observed and taught lessons and discussed teaching styles with local headteachers.
In the evenings, Frisbee and card games with local children proved popular. The visit was completed by a return to Uganda where the students were able to experience a short safari and visit two conservation projects seeking to protect white rhinos and chimpanzees.
Student Chloe Lee said: “It was an amazing experience, with some memories I’ll never forget. I wish I could do it all again.”
Hannah Bunford added: “I learned a lot in the Congo about how things could always be better or worse and how community is the most important key to happiness. Also how trusting, and trustworthy, Congolese children are. I’ve realised I have a lot to be thankful for.”
