Students to build new homes in Mexico

Seven students and one member of staff from St Mark’s Church of England School are raising funds towards the trip of a lifetime in June 2015 to work on the ReBuild Mexico project with Urban Saints.

The Year 11 students will be teaming up with members of the Urban Saints project to build new homes for some of the 800,000 Mexican families who lack a basic, secure place to live.

“We’re really excited to be taking part in this amazing project,” said Amy James, one of the students hoping to travel to Mexico.

“The project helps hundreds of families every year to gain a better standard of living and improve their local facilities. We will be building a whole house, from foundations to roofing, for a family affected by poverty in Tijuana.”

For two of the students, Toby and Laurie, this will be their second home that they will complete for ReBuild Mexico.

“Last year, we saw the impact that the project has on local families and how just having the right tools, funds and determination can make such a difference,” said Toby.

“We spoke to the students at school about our time in Mexico and some said that they also wanted to help, which is brilliant, because we can work together to build a new home for a family.”

The students now have the daunting task of raising the funds for the cost of their trip and need over £1,500 each to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation and building materials.

“We are planning a number of fundraising projects over the coming months including an Auction of Promises to be held at St Mark’s School on Saturday 18th April from 7.00pm,” said Amy.

“We are organising an evening packed full of entertainment and fun, together with a fundraising auction, supported by our teachers, parents and hopefully, local businesses. Tickets will be available from the main school office on 01225 312661.”

“We would also love to hear from anyone who could help with sponsorship or prizes for the auction. If anyone has any ideas that can help, please get in touch.”

Headteacher, Barnaby Ash, praised the students for their efforts: “We are very proud of these young people and their ambitions to help others in Mexico. They have a hard task ahead to raise the money needed but are determined to succeed.”

“Rebuild Mexico is a fantastic project that helps families improve their standards of living and create better lives for their children. Our students will be helping them to achieve this whilst learning a lot about themselves in the process.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for them and we wish them every success.”