SIXTH formers from Garth Hill College have embarked an African adventure to build a new dining hall for their Kenyan peers.

Thirteen students flew to Nairobi last Wednesday as part of a two-week project at the college’s partner school Oloyiankalani Secondary School, located outside the city.

During their visit they will be building a covered dining hall for the pupils and painting a mural in the girls’ dormitory.

Trip leader Sarah Howells said: “We launched a community partnership with Oloyiankalani Secondary School in 2014 and Garth Hill pupils have been exchanging letters with ‘pen pals’ in Kenya since then. We have also been fundraising for this trip primarily to buy the materials for the new dining space.

“The foundations have been laid and they are eagerly awaiting our students to make the new covered area a reality. Currently the Kenyan pupils eat their meals outside in the school field with no weather protection.”

Keith Grainger, Garth Hill’s headteacher, said: “This trip is a significant milestone in our partnership with Oloyiankalani. This visit is potentially a life-changing experience.

“Our students will be great ambassadors and their work will further strengthen the relationship with our Kenyan colleagues and friends.”