10:04am Tuesday 1st June 2010
A SCHOOL trip with a difference will see Bolton youngsters visit povertystricken areas of Brazil.
Pupils from Canon Slade school in Bradshaw will meet teenage drug addicts and visit shanty towns in the South American country.
The trip has come through a link between a Bolton congregation and Soa De Terre Ministries in Brazil. Exchange trips have taken place regularly, but this is the first time the church has taken schoolchildren to the South American country.
And there will be no five star luxury awaiting the 13 year 10 and year 11 pupils.
The school trip with a difference is being organised by Pastor Mike Ormrod, who holds services in the chapel in the grounds of Canon Slade.
Mr Ormrod said: “Most young people see Brazil as a vibrant country and think of Rio de Janeiro and other tourist sites.
“The group will visit these before heading east, an hour’s journey, to Uberlandia, where they will see social projects such as orphanages and drug rehabilitation facilities which help young people as young as 13 and 14 who are addicted to drugs such as cocaine. They will see shanty towns where there is no running water.”
The group will have a chance to make a difference by helping to refurbish an orphanage.
All pupils have had to raise £1,300 by staging events, saving their pocket money and, in some cases, holding a canopy sale in Victoria Square.
Mr Ormrod said: “I think the impact of this trip on young people will show them how lucky, privileged and blessed they are.
“Also they will realise that they can all, in some way, make a difference to other people’s lives.”
The children will set off on June 30 for a 14-day stay.
Megan Hasoon, aged 16, said: “I asked to go on the trip because it was different to my normal beach holidays and the idea of helping others really appealed to me.
“I am very excited about going. What I hope I get out of it is that I will appreciate what I have. Sometimes you don’t realise that until you meet other people who don’t have what you have.”
Tom Canning, aged 16, added: “I think this trip will give me a new perspective on life.
“I am looking forward to helping refurbishing the orphanages because our efforts will help others.”
To make a donation to the exchange programme, contact Mr Ormrod on 07760197686 or email mike@saltchurch.org
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