Pupils are fundraising to go to South Africa next year to help build a clay brick house for a family living in one of the townships.
The 17 and 18-year-old pupils at Mellow Lane School in Hewens Road, Hayes, were told about the Building Hope scheme by their teacher, Lisa Butler.
She said: "I heard about the charity, Habitat for Humanity, from a friend,and she said her experience had been life changing.
"The clay brick house she helped build was for a grandma who had to raise her grandchildren because their parents had died of AIDS."
Habitat for Humanity is responsible for the building of 260,00 homes, from Great Britain to Mongolia, wherever there is a genuine need.
The family must be willing to help with the construction of their home and agree to pay back a small, interest free monthly payment to their local Habitat for Humanity group.
The Mellow Lane group - three members of staff and 10 students - will each put £250 towards their trip in July. They are fundraising to make up the rest of the
£24,000 needed, and have already got £1,500 from a non-school uniform day, and £1,000 from a variety of activities, from sponsored head shaves to running a chocolate fountain and selling fruit kebabs at school.
They are now planning a 24 hour exercise bike ride and would welcome anyone who would like to sponsor them.
* Call Ms Butler on 07886 759751 or email lbutler@hillingdongrid.org
