Christmas arrived early at Coleg Gwent last week, as Santa, reindeer, elves, mistletoe and a host of edible treats brought festive cheer to the College’s Pontypool Campus – all in aid of an African charity.
Health and Social Care students organised the Christmas Fair which included a Christmas café, games and a chance to buy those last minute stocking fillers from arts and craft stalls.
The students raised over £500 towards their £2,000 target which will all go to help provide the village of Cheesay in Gambia with clean drinking water, amenities and schooling in partnership with the Gambian Longevity through Village Education (GLOVE) charity. The busy group also shrugged off the chilly weather when they recently completed a seven mile walk in aid of the charity, raising £400.
In April next year, three members of staff and the students will be visiting the village to see first-hand how the funds are making a difference.
Lecturer Leanne Johnson said: “Our trip to Gambia will be a unique experience for students to learn about a completely different culture. We’ve taken students to Gambia for the last few years, and we always get a really positive response from Gambian villagers and the students themselves.
“It will be very much a working visit, with students distributing essential supplies including medication, stationery and clothes to local nurseries, medical centres and community groups. They will get a real chance to help families and children where it is much needed.”
