After a four-year break students and staff from Truro, Penwith and Callywith College have returned to the kingdom Eswatini in southern Africa to visit the community of Shewula.

For more than 20 years the college charity has aided economic development and sponsored 100s of Shewula children to complete their schooling.

The college would always run an annual trip to Eswatini but they had to be put on hold for a few years due to covid.

But the college’s return was greeted with huge warmth by the community, who expressed their deep gratitude for the continued support.

Shewula remains in a fragile stage of development, not least due to the continued impact of the HIV epidemic which has left a 20 per cent infection rate in the area as well as hundreds of orphaned children. 

“The time spent with the children was truly heart-warming; their joy and smiles created memories that will stay with me forever,” said one of the college group.”

During the trips students completed valuable work with the young people of Shewula and made connections with the community that strengthen the on-going bonds of friendship. They also have the opportunity to spend a few days at the end of the trip to explore and experience the diverse and beautiful culture, landscape and wildlife of Eswatini. 

A-level student Jake, who was part of the group that travelled to Africa, said: “Eswatini was an unforgettable journey that will leave a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the tremendous impact of the charity on countless children’s lives was nothing short of incredible, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it.

“The warm and welcoming community in Shewula made the experience even more special, and their resilience in the face of HIV was truly inspiring. 

“Immersing ourselves in the Siswati language and culture was an unforgettable adventure, and the breath-taking landscapes added to the beauty of it all.”