Experience in Eswatini

Since the early 2000s, Truro & Penwith College’s Shewula Orphans’ Fund charity has aided economic development and sponsored 100s of Shewula children to complete their schooling.

Callywith Humanities Programme Team Leader Huw Williams, who joined students on the trip, shared: “It was wonderful to return for our annual trip and see the community continuing to develop. The student groups took every opportunity to contribute to the community, emerging themselves in the culture, while making a real tangible difference.

“Following their work in the schools, students had some much-deserved R&R, also enjoying what the country has to offer including wildlife while on safari and experiencing local craft markets.”

Callywith A Level Geography student Lucy Vercoe shared: “I really enjoyed the trip! It’s an experience I will remember my whole life. My favourite part was seeing the children’s faces light up when we brought them clothes and toys. I really enjoyed the safari! A once in a lifetime opportunity!” Fellow student Louise Peck said: “The trip was absolutely amazing and a real eye-opener! Meeting the community and learning about the way in which they live was brilliant. The trip has a perfect balance between educational aspects along with once in a lifetime experiences. The memories and people I met along the way were unforgettable, I loved every second.”

Students’ great work continued upon their return. Special thanks to Tilly Jones, Stan Fletcher; their band and all students involved in the fundraiser that took place in August. In this single event, the students raised over £1400 for the college’s Boom Shewula Wula! (BSW) charity, supporting children through their education. Every year the charity funds around 150 children through their secondary education.

The money raised from this fundraiser, along with all the fantastic work the students do throughout the year, will make a real difference to the community and the region.