A GROUP of young people from Arrochar are preparing to set off to South Africa on a mission to help others.

Nine young people from Arrochar Youth will depart on July 6 and return on July 21 having helped with construction work, healthcare and education in Gordon’s Bay near Cape Town.

The trip, named Alba to Africa, has been made possible by a generous donation from The Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Charitable Trust, and the group have already raised £3,000 of the £5,000 still needed. They are confident that with a few more events coming up, they will reach their target.

The Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Charitable Trust was set up in memory of Dr Hannah Stirling, a woman dubbed Queen of Loch Lomond, after her death in 2014.

A founding member of the Friends of Loch Lomond, the charity was set up to make grants, donations or gifts to organisations in the area.

And thanks to the good cause. the young people are now looking forward to having the opportunity to go on a trip similar to one previous members enjoyed back in 2014.

Angela McKell, youth worker, 52, told the Advertiser: “The Alba to Africa volunteering project came about on the back of the young people wanting a similar experience to the previous youth group who raised £20,000 to volunteered in Kenya in 2014.

“We did not think this was possible as we could not ask the community for money again to support a new project so soon after the last one.

“However, we were fortunate enough to receive the donation and this allowed us to explore the possibility of volunteering overseas.

“We put the proposal to our young people and they were ecstatic at the idea.”

Arrochar Youth, Youth Organisation Understanding Teen Health, is a joint venture by NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care. Angela and Jean Cairns, two practice nurses from the Arrochar GP surgery facilitate the project which is open to young people aged 13-19.

It offers health promotion and education workshops and projects aimed at increasing the health and wellbeing of the young people in the area.

The Alba to Africa project was launched in August and the young people have been at the forefront of fundraising and preparations.

They started by coming up with a project name, and with the help of Alex McEwan at Cove Park, designed a logo which was printed on t-shirts alongside the project’s title.

The group are now close to their fundraising target and excitement is building ahead of the big trip.

The group are set to go with Global Vision International, who are putting together a unique programme for the group.

The Advertiser spoke to some of the young people set for this “once in a lifetime” experience.

Erin Craig, 16, is excited to not only volunteer but experience new culture.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s something totally new and I think it’s once in a lifetime opportunity.

“I want to volunteer and change other people’s lives, even if its people I have never met. I just like the thought of helping.”

Also heading on the trip for the first time is Adam Carmichael, 17.

He said: “I am looking forward to everything about it. The volunteering and experiencing a new culture. I think it will be exciting – I like volunteering and something like this is an amazing opportunity to help.”

Lucky enough to be heading on the trip for a second time are Courtney Barr and Ryan Stone, who both went to Kenya three years ago.

They too are excited to have the opportunity to leave a legacy.

Courtney, 18, said: “I am probably most looking forward to the construction work. I’m excited to give it a go. It’s good to think we will be part of something that will last.

“I went before and it was brilliant, but not at all what I was expecting.

“I think we are more prepared for what to expect this time around. I am looking forward to going with the group, we are all good friends.”

Ryan, 19, said: “Going in 2014 was a life-changing experience. Some things I expected, other things I didn’t. I think we are ready, but there will always be surprises.

“I like helping and I’m excited to experience a different culture. It will be good to leave something behind.”

Final preparations are now underway but Angela believes that they are ahead of the game with their mindfulness, meditation and culture training.

The group will be guided when they arrive on useful words and phrases to become familiar with.

Angela said: “They are all buzzing. I think those of us who went to Kenya will be able to help with the culture shock but we intend to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and help where we can and as much as we can.”

Visit the Arrochar Youth Project - Alba II Africa Facebook page.

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/arrocharyouthalballafrica