Seven pupils from The Dukeries academy in Nottinghamshire recently spent a month in the Peruvian Andes.
Forming part of a team of 21 that included three teachers and a camp leader, the pupils aged between 16 and 17 worked to improve the local infrastructure to benefit disadvantaged residents.
The team – assisted by local professionals – installed clean water pipes, laid the foundations for a school dining hall and built stables to help protect animals from the harsh climate.
Students also embarked on one of South America’s toughest trails, the five-day Salkantay trek, which culminated in a climb up to ancient Incan citadel, Machu Picchu.
They stayed in tents and dormitories and ate a traditional Andean diet, which included alpaca. They also turned their mobile phones off during their stay to enhance their experience.
Dukeries pupil Jake Hall, said: “I thought the expedition was great. I made loads of new friends, visited some very interesting places and experienced a culture different to my own.”
Featured picture: Students in front of Machu Picchu
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