Students hand over charity funds

A group of students on the College's BTEC Travel and Tourism course recently handed over the money they raised for needy children in Africa during a series of fundraising events.

Last term, they took part in activities including dressing up, selling cakes, a sponsored silence and a sponsored haircut, with the proceeds paying for a year's education for children in Uganda, at a cost of £60 each.

They raised a total of £337.74, which has been passed to Old Swinford Hospital School in Stourbridge, which has links with St John's School in Uganda, with pupils and staff visiting regularly.

Some of the money raised will be used to sponsor two children, with the rest being used to repair the school's power generator. The students at UCB will know the names of the children they have helped and will be able to keep in touch with them by email.

The idea came about after several members of staff decided to sponsor a child themselves, and asked the students if they wanted to get involved.

Lecturer Yvonne Garner said: "The students have really taken this idea on board and they've done very well to come up with their own fundraising ideas and make this much money for an excellent cause."

Students Ben Watson, Charlene Gallagher and Kylie Polden all dressed up to raise money, as did lecturers Beverley Lord and Andree Ellis. Kylie also took part in a sponsored silence, together with Emma Coley, while Lindsey Harrison sold the cakes.