SIX students from the Isle of Man have visited one of Africa's most impoverished countries to investigate eco-friendly tourism.
The students, from Queen Elizabeth II High School, travelled to Gambia last month to report on the work of Concern Universal in promoting sustainable agriculture in tourism.
Moira Pane, Rebecca Beavis, Rachael Harrop - all 16, and Lauren Blayney, Tom Anderson and Aareez Khan - all 15, won the Citizenship Foundation’s Giving Nation Award, which was a trip to Gambia, for their efforts and outstanding commitment to charity and community action in their local area.
The partnership between Concern Local and Giving Nation aims to give the students the opportunity to observe how tourism can work positively, in conjunction with agriculture, in building greater prosperity for Gambian local communities.
Lesley Sleight, head of life skills at Queen Elizabeth II High School, said: "This trip teaches students the importance and the positive effects of intercultural communication to develop important skills, which are indispensable in today's interconnected world society."
During their visit students learnt about the challenges faced by people in the Gambia including climate change and food shortages. They also visited various communities and eco-tourism initiatives including a snake farm and farming co-operatives.
Working with young people from the Kajabang Village the students held a cross-cultural discussion on the importance of volunteering and charitable giving.
Jenny Holland from Concern Universal said: "It is a great opportunity for these students to witness first hand community-led development but also to engage with local youths who are working to improve their lives."
Tony Anderson said: "I think we are very lucky to have won a trip to the Gambia and have been able to see the variety of challenges troubling the country, however, I think the work we have put into Giving Nation has shown us what we can do in our local community."
Lauren Blayney said: "I was inspired by the motivation of the Gambian women and I would love to make a film to illustrate their courage and determination and to spread the message of teamwork."
The students from Queen Elizabeth II High School are just some of the 163,000 young people participating in the Giving Nation Challenge across the UK.
