A GROUP of young people are swapping their home comforts for a life changing experience.

Fourteen students at Thornleigh Salesian College will be carrying on a school tradition this summer as they travel to Tanzania to make a real difference in the world.

During their month long stay in Moshi, the sixth formers will be volunteering at a local clinic, hospital and primary and secondary schools.

Whilst living and working there, students will also have the opportunity to teach, organise games and activities and get to know the local community.

Each of the students going on the trip took part in an rigorous interview process which included them making a five minute presentation — and Father Bob Gardner had the difficult task of selecting the 14.

Alison Burrowes, headteacher who will be joining the students, said: "The Tanzania Project is well established here at Thornleigh Salesian College and we return to Moshi every other year to volunteer in the schools and Clinic.

"I have the great privilege of living and working with an exceptional team of sixth formers while we are there and I see them grow in confidence, watch them make a huge difference to the lives of the Tanzanian children they work with, and make friends with each other that are lifelong.

"In the year before they go they work so hard to fundraise to resource the project because we take everything we need for the teaching with us.

"I am always incredibly proud of them and the way they give their time so willingly to organise events and seek out sponsors."

Students say they are looking forward to enjoying new worthwhile experiences.

Alex Daly, aged 16: “I’m looking forward to experiencing a new way of life and how life is without luxuries

“I have spoken to lots of people and they have told me it’s a great experience and you come back with a new perspective on life.

“I think it’s the little luxuries that I will miss, warm showers and washing machines, the things we take for granted.”

“I decided to go because I want to make just a little bit of a difference.

"As well as helping other I want it to make a difference on my life.”

Zach Pierce, aged age 17, added: “I am looking forward to working with the young children and developing as an individual, teaching will be invaluable as I move in to my future career. I think it is important that I connect with the wider Salesian Community and give back to what they gave me, an education”

“Four weeks away is a long time from home, I will miss my family firstly but I will also miss the luxuries we take for granted, phone signal, wifi, email and the likes.

“I have been aware of the Tanzania project throughout my time at Thornleigh Salesian college.

"The experiences of those who taken part previously have inspired me during my school career and as a result I wanted to take part myself to experience an alternative culture, life style and teaching as profession”

The students will also be accompanied by Sandy Fairley, Emma Brown, Steve Burrowes and Father Bob Gardner.

The group are now on a fundraising drive for the trip as much as they to help lower costs and to also provide resources to take over to the schools and clinics that they will be volunteering in.

Sixth-former Lydia Buchanan, aged 18, added:“I am most looking forward to the experience of a different culture and a different way of life.”

“My nephew, my hamster and my best friend are all things that I will miss. These are all things that I depend on for comfort and more often than not take them for granted.”

“I have always wanted to go on this experience since I heard about it in year 8, I want to grow as a person and believe this experience is one that will certainly do that.”

Fundraising events have included an Old School Disco and a Music Night for Tanzania, which was produced and performed by sixth formers.

And on April 29, a Vegas Night will be held at the school to also raise funds, with an amazing performance from Elvis.

Tickets are available now from the school.