A school in Camborne has given two of its sixth form students a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa as part of its scholarship programme.

Emily Davidson and Tamara Dillow, two year 13 pupils at Camborne Science and International Academy, spent a week in Morocco to complete their Duke of Edinburgh residential challenge.

Emily said: “We wanted to make a real difference, so we embarked on our mission to help children and the homeless in Morocco.

“We applied for a scholarship through CSIA and our dreams were made into a reality - it was truly unforgettable.”

In order to qualify for the scholarship, Emily and Tamara had to apply in writing before giving a formal presentation to a panel which included Ian Kenworthy, principal at CSIA, and the director of sixth form, John Ross, and also researched and organised their own trips.

Emily said: “When we found out that we were successful, it was so amazing and the trip really lived up to our expectations. We initially found the language barrier challenging but soon discovered that our GCSE French was invaluable.

“There were so many unforgettable experiences; we spent time in the Alzi primary school painting walls to create a fun learning environment for the children and one of our most rewarding days was spent at a respite centre for vulnerable women, setting up an art project, making masks.”

Both visited the local orphanage where they taught English through play, and Emily said: “It was a very moving experience and we really felt like we really made a difference.

“We learnt lots about how they care for so many young children and we left feeling very inspired.”

Tamara added: “Towards the end of the week, we were joined by a local government official who discussed the volunteer programme and together, we enjoyed the spectacle of traditional Moroccan dance and songs.

“Another amazing highlight of the week and one I will never forget.”

As well as volunteering, Emily and Tamara were given time to sightsee and explore, taking a 10 hour journey into the Sahara desert, visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, enjoying Moroccan cuisine and staying overnight in traditional tents in a Berber village.

Emily said: “We had a two hour camel ride to get there but it was so worth it, lots of singing, dancing and star gazing. The Milky Way is a glorious thing when seen from the dark of the desert and I will never forget the sunrise over the sapphire dunes of the Sahara.”

“Before we left to return home, we went to our local supermarket and bought food and drink. We made up packs containing fruit, cold water and sandwiches and then distributed them to the homeless around the market area. The gratitude over a little bit of food and water was humbling.”

Mr Ross said: “We commend Emily and Tamara for undertaking such a demanding but incredibly worthwhile challenge.

Mr Kenworthy added: “Adventures like this have so many benefits; from stretching comfort zones and teaching life skills to expanding minds outside the classroom.

“They promote a sense of global community as well as responsibility and international understanding, which all help to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion. Well done Emily and Tamara.”