Coopers In Africa 2014

We are 6th Form Students (age 17-18) from the Coopers Company and Coborn School, a co-educational comprehensive school in Upminster, Essex. Our school mission is to Love as Brethren. We have a long tradition of travelling abroad on trips which try to live up to this motto. Our trips are always more challenging than the norm and they supplement adventure with truly worthwhile projects for the benefit of third world communities. Each expedition combines a personal challenge with a community project.

In 2004, we heard of a village near Livingstone in Zambia where the school facilities for the local children were inadequate for their needs. This was the first time we visited on a project and created some aims for the future. As a result, in 2006, the school group managed, arguably, their finest achievement to date. A two classroom school was built, resourced and made operational. Named, Twabuka Community School, work to extend the school in the 2008 expedition meant that the school roll has now risen to over 140 children.

2008 also saw the start of the Egg Company where it is hoped that the introduction of a chicken shed will eventually generate revenue for the community.

Fundraising for the 2014 project has yet to begin, but when it starts the majority of fundraising will be done by the pupils themselves, and our aim is to raise around £15,000 as a guideline.