Girls from Malvern St James School in the West Midlands have returned to a village in Gambia they've been helping for more than 32 years.

Students from MSJ once again visited the village of Illiasa in The Gambia, and successfully raised over £100,000 to fund sustainable projects.

Upon arrival in Illiasa, the MSJ students got to work on several community projects they had previously raised funds for. Tasks included repainting school classrooms and joining local students in lessons in an effort to enhance their learning experience.

The students were also actively encouraged to engage in traditional games and songs, promoting cultural exchange.

In addition, the students transported over £300 of essential medication to Illiasa, which had been flagged as a priority by community leaders.

They further supported local micro-businesses by providing useful supplies. Women in Illiasa often run these businesses to help support their families, such as soap production, which can be sold at local markets.

They were also taught how to plant banana trees, which would be ready for harvest by Christmas, aiding in the development of sustainable farming in the area.

The Gambia trip has proven to be an enriching exposure to a completely different culture and life perspective.

Mrs Victoria Collett, MSJ teacher and leader of The Gambia and MSJ Partnership, said: "It is a privilege to be able to take girls to The Gambia and build on the many years of trusted partnership.

"Everything MSJ pupils do on their visits is meaningful and real - they experience things which will change the way they feel about life, not just now, but forever."

One of the Sixth Form pupils involved, said: "Being immersed in a completely different culture but seeing the similarities we share as human beings, rather than the differences, has changed my mindset.

"We all want decent facilities, to be economically independent and to be hopeful about the future."