College students recently returned from an international enrichment visit to Poland as part of Challenge Poland; a 12 week enrichment programme culminating in a four day excursion to Krakow.

The programme, which is a dynamic mix of personal development, fundraising and interactive session, gave students the hands-on opportunity to learn about Polish history and culture.

The trip included a visit to Auschwitz & Birkenau concentration camps as well as tours of Poland’s Jewish Quarter, Schindler’s Factory Museum, and culminated in a visit to Wawel Castle. Carli Vernon described the trip as a ‘once and a lifetime opportunity and I learnt so much!’

A total of 23 students from the Sixth Form College and Stoke-on-Trent College pulled together to raise money to fund the trip.

There was a wide range of fundraising activities that took place throughout the 12 week programme including bake sales, food stalls and packing bags at local supermarkets. Students also ran carnival activities such ‘guess how many sweets are in the jar stall’, a name the teddy competition as well as a traditional raffle. Some students even raised money at a Car Boot Sale!