The enterprising students have raised a whopping £26,000 to fund the mission that will see them work with local farmers and the surrounding communities to live in harmony with the region’s wild elephants.
Spending two weeks without life’s comforts such as running water, electricity, and possibly most tricky of all, no mobile phones or internet access, will be a real test for the intrepid bunch, said the college’s Childcare course leader and Early years lecturer, Liz Maddison.
But, having made the journey herself, two years ago, she said: “None of that matters when you are there. It will be the most incredible experience.”
Over the last year the students have taken part in a whole host of fundraising activities to make the trip possible. From elephant race nights to bag packs, a sponsored abseil to a bush tucker trial, Liz said the group has really pushed their imaginations.
Now packing their bags and raring to go the plucky bunch can’t wait to get started.
Working with Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) they will be painting children’s dormitories at a primary school and taking part in elephant patrols, monitoring the giants in their natural environment.
“I’m extremely excited but also have that fear of the unknown,” said BA Hons Education and Training student, Aisha Robinson, of Thornaby. The 33-year-old mum-of-three added: “It’s an amazing opportunity and it’ll be a real adventure.”
Richard Cairnes, 28, of Middlesbrough, who is also studying Education at the college, said: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this but never thought I would get the opportunity.
“Everyone has been really supportive and wants to hear about what we will be doing.”
The dad-of-one added: “I think we are really lucky, though I might not be saying that when I’m sleeping on the sand or some rocks.”
Despite living without comforts, sleeping under the stars, taking turns cooking for the group and limited washing facilities, both admit the hardest part will be missing their families.
Looking forward to sharing the experience with her students, teacher Liz said: “It has been hard work raising the money but everyone has been really kind. No matter how much you talk about it I don’t think anything can truly prepare the students for the experience they are going to have. This is a real once in a lifetime experience. It will change their lives.”