THE clock is ticking for a band of plucky young adventurers who need to raise £72,000 to take part in the journey of a lifetime.
A group of 18 sixth-form students from de Ferrers Academy in St Mary’s Drive, Stretton, have 18 months to raise £4,000 each to take part in the trip to Nicaragua in Central America.
The three-week expedition will be taking place in July 2012 and is part of World Challenge, an educational incentive which allows young people to experience other cultures, as well as build their leadership skills.
Francesca Gallone, aged 17, is one of the students hoping to take part after hearing about some of her friends’ adventures last year.
She said: “Last year they went to Tanzania and built a dining room for a group of schoolchildren. After hearing about that, it made me want to find out about it.
“My parents were a bit apprehensive at first but they’re pleased that I’m trying it and wishing they could have done the same when they were younger.”
Miss Gallone has organised a fund-raising evening at The Spread Eagle pub in Church Road, Rolleston, on Friday.
Her father Bruno Gallone, formerly of Burton mod band Reaction, will be performing and there will be a disco and raffle.
Also organised is an auction, with prizes donated from local companies such as Formula One simulator driving experience worth more than £800, lunch at the Dovecliffe Hall Hotel, and a bundle of board games worth more than £100.
The trip is student-led but two members of staff from de Ferrers will be accompanying the group, one of them being mathematics teacher Chris Orchard.
Mr Orchard said: “We’ll be going over there in a supportive role to ensure the safety of the students and make sure they don’t miss vital transport links and things like that.
“But they will be organising the itinerary as well as the finances, that’s what makes it such a good experience for them.”
Companies interested in sponsoring the challenge can telephone either Mr Orchard or Miss Roberts at de Ferrers Academy on 01283 239936.
