STUDENTS from Lord Wandsworth College spent 12 exhilarating days at their partner school in Ghana.

Based in the village of Egyei Krom, near Elmina, the team renovated and painted a classroom, adding rainforest artwork and a mural to mark the partnership which is now entering its seventh year.

The fifth and sixth-form students taught Ghanaian pupils how to use microscopes and carried out reading and art projects, as well as developing a dance and drama piece from an African short story.

The group from the school at Long Sutton, near Odiham, also visited the rainforest and the emotionally challenging slave fort, Elmina Castle. A visit to a camp holding 2,000 Ivory Coast refugees was incredibly moving and three students were fortunate enough to interview the camp manager and senior officials from the Ghana Refugee Board.

Camping in the village meant the team were able to engage with the community, especially the young children with whom they played en masse one night, bringing part of the village to a standstill.

Lord Wandsworth College headteacher Adam Williams said: “We love what our students achieve in Ghana.

“They show so many of the character traits we value so highly, developing valuable life skills and enriching not only their lives but the lives and learning experiences of the Ghanaian students with whom they engage.”