Twenty-six South Eastern Regional College (SERC) students have returned from an unforgettable educational journey to South Africa, where they took part in a fully funded global citizenship programme through the UK Government's Turing Scheme.
The students, who are studying construction, early years and computing courses across SERC's Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn campuses, travelled to South Africa from 4–18 June, gaining invaluable international experience while working alongside local communities and conservation organisations.
Hosted by the KwaZulu Natal Community Project, based in Durban, the students participated in a wide range of activities designed to enhance their understanding of global citizenship, sustainability, community engagement and cultural exchange.
During the two-week programme, students attended anti-poaching talks and demonstrations, took part in birding and wildlife tracking activities, and learned about conservation efforts through educational presentations and a visit to Project Rhino, where they supported a school education programme highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation for local children.
The group also visited a snake farm to learn about the extraction of venom for use in life-saving vaccines and medical treatments, while construction students contributed to a community project, gaining first-hand experience of how climate conditions impact building materials and helping to construct a toilet block for wildlife rangers.
Students studying children's care and development had the opportunity to shadow early years professionals and participate in creative learning activities with disadvantaged young children, providing valuable insights into education and childcare practices in a different cultural setting.
Rebecca Cash (19, Saintfield) from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction & Built Environment said, “The trip was so amazing, it is really hard to think of just one favourite part, however, our visits to the local communities, including one to a creche (main picture) for one to eight year olds was fantastic - seeing all the children’s faces light up when we arrived was a definite highlight. The little ones sang songs and danced and were delighted with the gifts we had brought from home for them.”
Rebecca added, “I also enjoyed the social aspects of the trip and all activities we took part in each evening including ‘Bush Baby’s Got Talent’. It was great to meet fellow SERC students from different courses and campuses."
She concluded, “When I look back at my photographs, they don’t do justice to the sights and sounds of South Africa, from seeing elephants and zebras on a reserve, to visiting a snake farm which harvests venom to make life-saving vaccines, to experiencing and learning about local traditions and culture, and all the wonderful people we met - it was an amazing trip that I will never forget.”
Donna O'Loughlin, Associate Lecturer in IT at SERC said, "This was a truly transformative experience for our students. Through the support of the Turing Scheme, they were able to immerse themselves in a different culture, contribute positively to local communities and gain a broader understanding of global citizenship. The trip not only enhanced students' academic knowledge and practical skills, but also encouraged them to develop confidence, resilience, cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation of global challenges and opportunities. The experience will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both their personal and professional development."
The participates included: Students from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in IT were Jake McIntyre (18, Bangor), Jake Wilson (18, Bangor), Thomas Geen (18, Bangor) and Ryan Hewitt (18, Comber) from Bangor Campus; Ethan McCabe (18, Downpatrick) and Alan Perry (18, Downpatrick) from Downpatrick Campus; and Cormac O'Connor (21, Dunmurry) and Elliott Dougan (18, Magheralin) from Lisburn Campus.
Also participating were Thomas Reynolds (17, Bangor) from the Level 2 Traineeship in Information Technology at Bangor Campus and Drew Cameron (27, Lisburn) from Lisburn Campus.
Students from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction & Built Environment were Rebecca Cash (19, Saintfield), Alex Malinowski (17, Bangor), Anthony O'Prey (17, Kircubbin), Ciarna Smyth (17, Kircubbin) and Eva Johnston (18, Bangor) from Bangor Campus; Ryan McKay (17, Ardglass) and Darragh Brown (18, Castlewellan) from Downpatrick Campus; together with Max Elliott (18, Banbridge) from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering at Lisburn Campus and James Steele (18, Donaghadee) from Bangor Campus.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children's Care, Learning & Development students were Amy Vallely (18, Lisburn), Cara Weldon (19, Lisburn), Eden Watson (18, Lisburn) and Francesca Baxter (19, Dromore) from Lisburn Campus, along with Emily Rose Gargan (18, Newcastle), Katie Ross (18, Newcastle) and Rebecca Kearney-Laughlin (18, Downpatrick) from Downpatrick Campus.
The Turing Scheme provides funding for students to undertake a study or work placement across the world, contributing to the UK Government’s commitment to a Global Britain, by helping organisations such as SERC to enhance existing international links and forge new relationships. The delivery partner for the Turing Scheme is the Department for Education (UK).
