STUDENTS from a New Forest school made their mark on communities in Zambia.

Not only did they help youngsters in an orphanage, re-decorate an old people’s home and help to build a student accommodation block.

They also helped to protect lions and taught a 15-year-old boy how to speak and to write his name

The group of 16 Year 11 and Year 12 students spent three weeks in Africa and even took thousands of items of PE clothing donated by their fellow students which were distributed in a school and an orphanage.

Head teacher Nigel Pressnell, said: “I am very proud of our students. They have been working tirelessly for two years for this opportunity, including raising £3,500 each to go on the trip and in addition £11,000 for two Zambian charities.

“Through their efforts they have gone to Africa and helped to change the lives of others less fortunate than themselves.”

In the first week of the trip the students split into two groups – with one group spending time at an orphanage and the other group at an old people’s home, both in Livingstone.

At the orphanage the students helped to create a new vegetable garden for the residents and clean the home in time for a visit from a bishop.

They also ran workshops for the orphanage’s children to teach them English and songs.

Meanwhile over at the old people’s home the students re-painted every single one of the bedrooms.

Their second week was spent in the Makuni village where the students helped constructors build a new accommodation block for girls at the local school. They also spent time in the school’s special needs unit delivering lessons.

The students’ Zambia expedition culminated in a week-long stay with the ALERT charity where they supported the organisation’s efforts in protecting the lion population.