CONSTRUCTION students are counting their blessings after a life-changing mission to Africa.
Twelve Level 1 and 2 joiners and bricklayers from Darlington College spent 15 days in Tanzania working in fierce temperatures and unforgiving humidity.
Students had to break up an old floor using sledgehammers, climb down a well for water to hand-mix fresh concrete in buckets and replaster walls as they helped refurbish a primary school.
Lecturer Sam Poland said: “It was very hard work and certainly no holiday. It was a great learning experience for the students who attracted a lot of attention from local people.”
The students’ trip began with a 30 hour flight to Africa where they lived for two weeks in rudimentary accommodation which was hit by power cuts and plagued by mosquitoes.
Brett Stobie, 18, of Darlington, said: “We had to climb into a big stone well to get the water and carry it in buckets. You couldn’t stop mixing the concrete as it dried so quickly. We weren’t allowed to wear shorts or show our shoulders and we were all worn out by the sun. I don’t think I will ever graft as hard as we did there.”
Marcus Wake, 17, of Darlington, said: “It was so hot and I’m ginger so had to stay in the shade, but I still got burnt through two layers of clothing.”
Harry Pearson, 16, of Darlington, said: “The first week went quite quickly but the second felt long. As a group we talked to each other a lot more because the wi-fi was unreliable and we weren’t on our phones as much.”
Joseph Haymer, 16, of Darlington, added: “As well as working we also played sport with the children which was fun and it was interesting not being able to speak the same language. It was a great experience which has changed my point of view on a lot of things and has made me realise how good we have it here. It was so rewarding to do it as the school was so grateful.
“It was amazing seeing Kilimanjaro, swimming near a waterfall and seeing the monkeys play near one of the restaurants.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
