BARRY Comprehensive School 6th Form students Beth Phillips, Becky Lloyd, Nathan Sherrat, Sam Bass and Rhodri Phillips spent part of their Summer in Sri Lanka with teachers Miss Allen and Mr Williams and former student Julian Hobbs.

Rather than spend two weeks on the beach, the group worked in local orphanages and schools in association with the charity Help Lanka. Miss Allen explained: "This was my fourth visit to Sri Lanka and the school we worked in this year was Etiawela Government School.

"The staff and pupils showed us such a warm welcome and the sharing of cultures began straight away with a lesson in Sinhala dancing for the students. "Mr Williams and I ran training sessions with the English-speaking teachers about Barry Comprehensive and our assertive discipline policy.

"The Sri Lankan teachers' commitment to education and improving their school was clearly evident throughout our visit, and this year's students proved to be excellent teachers," she added.

"I was very proud of their hard work, professionalism and ability to work as a team."

Sam Bass, Year 12, said: "I spent two weeks working in a school and a boys orphanage and what I saw really shocked me.

"I am a typical Britsh citizen who, like everyone else, is comfortable with my cosy life and likes to complain about whatever I can.

"I knew about the problems in developing countries but never used to lose sleep over them or think that I could make a difference.

"But when I began my work in Sri Lanka I started to think differently. It was a truly eye-opening and life-changing trip and I am glad I was a part of it."

Harriet Goonetilake also volunteered with the group.

Her father, Sam, is the founder of Help Lanka. Harriet said: "For me the best part of the trip was being able to see how we have positively changed the way of teaching by incorporating fun into education.

"We started up a sports programme with donations collected from Barry Comprehensive and from the Sports Council for Wales. The programme will continue even though we are not there any more to run it.

"It is a proud achievement to know that we have made a difference, not just for two weeks but in the long-term too."

Rebecca Lloyd added: "During the weekend we picked tea leaves at a plantation and had an insight to real Sri Lankan life.

"My experience was unforgettable and I hope to keep in contact with the people I met there."

Everyone involved would like to thank pupils, parents and staff at Barry Comprehensive School who donated money, time and equipment in the run-up to their visit. A special thank you to Holton Road FC who donated football kits to the orphanage, Parakama School for Boys.