STUDENTS are embarking on a mission to Thailand, to work with a variety of projects supported by the Thai Children’s Trust.

Twelve sixth form students from St Joseph’s Catholic High School in Slough will be travelling to Pattaya for two weeks next February to work with projects involved in helping street children, orphans, children with HIV and Aids and children with special educational needs or disabilities.

The exciting trip was arranged by Rhian Morgans, head of the sixth form, who started taking pupils to Thailand four years ago.

She said: “I’ve been going there for years. When I started teaching I thought I needed to use my six weeks holiday in the summer.

“It’s a real cultural insight and it will open their eyes up to the hardship of other children.” The pupils will be volunteering at day care centres and orphanages.

Miss Morgans said: “There is a day care centre for children living in extreme poverty who have no running water. Young toddlers can shower, have food and play with toys every day.

“The pupils will be helping to prepare food and shower the children.” Miss Morgans added: “I think it’s really important kids have their eyes opened to the world and can see how lucky we are in comparison and to have that cultural eye-opener.

“You get so much more when you go there and see how we can make a difference.” Between now and February, the whole school will be getting involved in fundraising in order to collect the £15,000 needed to pay for the trip.

This money will go towards the different projects, as well as buying necessities for the children.

There are plans to run summer fetes, competitions, bag packing sessions in shops, school discos, tuck shops and cake sales.

Miss Morgans said: “The students are so excited – they can’t wait. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it will change the way they think forever.” Donations can be made by contacting Miss Morgans on 01753 524713 or emailing r.morgans@st-josephs.slough.sch.uk