Fifteen students and three members of staff from St Mark’s School in Bath will be heading to Mexico this summer to transform the lives of two Mexican families as they build new homes from scratch with the Build Hope project.
The aim of the project is to help families in the Los Llanos area living in conditions without electricity, running clean water or even a lockable door.
The team need to cover all of the costs of the trip and all of the building materials required to build a home for a Mexican family – from foundations to roofing and everything in between.
Over the course of just 11 days, the determined students will complete their adventure and hand over the keys to its new owners.
Their fundraising challenge has already begun in earnest with a substantial sum already raised through sponsored events.
The team, many of whom are also in the midst of important GCSE preparations, will be completing a Sponsored Cycle, a bag-packing day at Morrisons and hosting their very own Mexican Fiesta on 16th April in an effort to reach their fundraising target of £1,650 each.
The trip is just one example of the school’s commitment to providing engaging and life-changing experiences for its students.
It follows on the success of last year’s Build Hope trip to Mexico when seven Year 11 students successfully built a home for the Martinez J family who, for the first time, had a locking door and a roof that didn’t leak.
Barnaby Ash, Headteacher at St Mark’s, said: “Build Hope is an incredible opportunity for our young people to travel overseas and actively engage in making a positive difference to society. Our students challenge themselves from the very beginning showing great tenacity, generosity and determination.”
“The experience is life-changing in many ways as students discover new depths to their character and gain unique insights into a diverse global landscape.”
Accompanying the team of students is Chaplain at St Mark’s School, Jerry Parr.
He said: “Through this incredible trip, students learn so much about themselves and the world around them. It has far-reaching impacts both at home and overseas and is an experience that remains with you forever.
“The work is physically challenging and very emotional when we finally hand over the keys but very worthwhile.”
Tickets for the Mexican Fiesta are £10 available St Mark’s School and include a three course Mexican feast, entertainment a raffle and auction of promises.
Any business or individual interested in supporting the students’ fundraising efforts should contact Jerry Parr at St Mark’s School on 01225 312661.