The 14-strong group of teenagers and seven volunteer cadet leaders from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will help complete a new school in Gbatana in the Volta region of southern Ghana. This will provide young villagers with the education they need to give them the best possible chances in life. 

In spite of the difficult economic climate here in the UK and sitting their own school exams, the cadets - all aged 16 and 17 - have funded the trip by raising a staggering £50,000 through car washes, packing bags in supermarkets and securing sponsorship from local organisations. 

Cllr David Topping, Fire Authority Chair, said the achievement illustrates precisely why he and fellow members strongly support Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's impressive range of work with young people. "The cadet scheme is just one of the ways the service engages with young people to enrich their own lives and those of others. 

"This trip will make a real and lasting difference and has given the cadets the opportunity to shine as ambassadors not only for the service, but also the young people of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington." 

Using tools and equipment purchased through their own fundraising efforts, the cadets will help villagers finish a school they started building at the end of last year. They will then take part in the school's colourful opening ceremony and present to village elders the furniture, books and educational materials for which they have also raised money and shipped to Ghana ahead of the visit. 

There will also be time for them visit the three schools previous cadet groups from Cheshire have helped to build and cultural and historic sights such as El Mina Castle, from which the country's slave trade operated for 300 years.

 

Posted: 11.43, 1.8.11, rachael.haydon@pavpub.com