TWO Wokingham sixth formers were able to take a trip to Spain as part of their language studies this summer, thanks to a grant from Wokingham United Charities (WUC).
Isabella and Devine, both from Maiden Erlegh School in Earley, were able to embark on a 10 day study trip to Barcelona to enhance their Spanish language learning, supported by WUC’s Brighter Futures Fund.
The fund exists to help students from lower-income households to access extracurricular activities.
It can support a wide range of activities, from sports to arts, music to science clubs, including school trips, club memberships, sports equipment, instrument rental purchase and participation fees.
For school friends Isabella and Divine it meant the trip of a lifetime.
The grant covered their flights, an intensive Spanish conversation course at Spanish language school Camino Barcelona, accommodation, and seven cultural excursions.
“It was the most terrifying, exciting and memorable trip of our lives,” they said.
“We wouldn’t have been able to experience it without the Bright Futures grant.”
Isabella Paolillo and Divine Egodo flew to Barcelona at the end of August.
There they spent three days exploring the city, while staying at a girls only hostel.
“We met girls from all over the world, learnt how to use the public transport system, visited the city’s landmarks, had pyjama picnics on the hostel terrace – and spoke only Spanish the whole time,” they said.
Then it was time for school.
“Lessons each day ran through from 9am until 2pm, and then we had group cultural excursions, followed by conversation classes, they added.”
The intense study programme has had a lasting impact on them both.
“The teachers were excellent,” they said, “and we have both grown in confidence with our Spanish.”
“Evenings spent with international classmates gave us even more opportunities to practise the language while out in the city centre, enjoying tapas and ice-cream.
“We made some life-long friends, and have already made plans to meet up in London.
“We’d like to thank Wokingham United Charities for making the trip possible.”
The Brighter Future Fund receives £25,000 from Wokingham Borough Council, and runs in partnership with the Hardship Alliance, an initiative to reduce poverty in the area.
Alliance partners are Wokingham Borough Council, Age UK Berkshire, Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, and Wokingham United Charities.
WUC manages the Brighter Future Fund to support young people’s extra-curricular activities, and works with schools and groups to identify and respond to individual requests.
Amy Garstang, manager at Wokingham United Charities, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their background.
“Our mission is simple: to empower children from low-income households to unlock their full potential through enriching extracurricular experiences.”
Isobelle and Divine’s opportunity to go to Spain came about when Spanish leader at Maiden Erlegh School, Gianluca Raso, applied online for the two girls to be able to take part in the language study trip.
Applications are welcomed throughout the year, from schools, alternative educational providers, youth groups, sports clubs and relevant local charities.
Parents or guardians eager to apply are encouraged to collaborate with their child’s school or activity group to facilitate the application process effectively.
Wokingham United Charities is keen to hear how the Brighter Future Fund can help more young people in the borough to access opportunities to shine.
To apply online, teachers, club leaders, and charities should visit: wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk
