A school in Bruton has organised a fundraising event this month as the future of its exchange project continues to hang in the balance.
Sexey's School has been linked with Mopani Copper Mine School, in Mufilira, Zambia, since 2006.
The exchange sees students travelling between Somerset and Africa, and vice-versa to gain a valuable insight into the world's different cultures.
However, the Bruton school must raise £20,000 in the next three months to ensure a group of Zambian students can fly to Somerset in July.
Teachers and students at the school have pleaded with local businesses and the community to help them reach their goal.
In a bid to secure vital fundraising, the school will host a tea dance workshop on Sunday, April 28, at 2pm.
Denise Magill, who coordinates the exchange, said: "A cultural exchange not only benefits the students, but also their family, friends and members of the general community.
"It would be devastating for all involved if we had to cancel our plans at this stage.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn first-hand about their roles and responsibilities as global citizens and to gain skills such as independence, critical thinking, public speaking and team-work.
"They will also be losing out on the chance to examine the similarities and differences between the two cultures.
"The whole team at Sexey's School, including students, staff and parents, have all worked so hard on both sides of the world to make the exchange a success. Unfortunately the current economic climate is making this year's fundraising so much more difficult – and we desperately need the help of the local community."
The Bruton school has raised more than £4,000 since Christmas to fund the trip.
A host of other fundraising events have been organised, including members of staff who have pledged to cycle the equivalent of 7,862km – the distance between Bruton and Mufilira.
The school is also collecting disused mobile phones to be recycled and have started a copper collection in reception.
For more information, contact 01749 813393.
Sexey's School has been linked with Mopani Copper Mine School, in Mufilira, Zambia, since 2006.
The exchange sees students travelling between Somerset and Africa, and vice-versa to gain a valuable insight into the world's different cultures.
However, the Bruton school must raise £20,000 in the next three months to ensure a group of Zambian students can fly to Somerset in July.
Teachers and students at the school have pleaded with local businesses and the community to help them reach their goal.
In a bid to secure vital fundraising, the school will host a tea dance workshop on Sunday, April 28, at 2pm.
Denise Magill, who coordinates the exchange, said: "A cultural exchange not only benefits the students, but also their family, friends and members of the general community.
"It would be devastating for all involved if we had to cancel our plans at this stage.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn first-hand about their roles and responsibilities as global citizens and to gain skills such as independence, critical thinking, public speaking and team-work.
"They will also be losing out on the chance to examine the similarities and differences between the two cultures.
"The whole team at Sexey's School, including students, staff and parents, have all worked so hard on both sides of the world to make the exchange a success. Unfortunately the current economic climate is making this year's fundraising so much more difficult – and we desperately need the help of the local community."
The Bruton school has raised more than £4,000 since Christmas to fund the trip.
A host of other fundraising events have been organised, including members of staff who have pledged to cycle the equivalent of 7,862km – the distance between Bruton and Mufilira.
The school is also collecting disused mobile phones to be recycled and have started a copper collection in reception.
For more information, contact 01749 813393.
