No one said it would be easy, but wow, what a fantastic experience!

10 of the 13 JAGS sixth formers who spent two weeks in Romania this past summer engaged in a unique residential project, working with Romanian sixth formers to help 100 children and young people with a range of special needs, spoke warmly about their experience in assembly. The thrill of seeing the boys and girls, some of whom needed little encouragement, some of whom barely made eye contact, develop the confidence to perform in the final event – the Spectacol – made all the frantic preparation between classes and energy expended worthwhile.

Sixth formers Freddie Onslow, Jenny Lanigan, Sophie Garforth-Bles, Vicky Ross, Abi Karas, Isobel Fenlon, Anna Brightman, Annabel Parry, and the two Alices, Parker and Strong, (joined by alumnae ‘experts’ Hannah, Megan, Amy, Rhea and Anna, and teachers Vikki  Askew and Irene Riddell) invented irresistible activities in music, sport, art, craft, dance and drama which drew in the most gifted and able as well as those who needed most help. A big challenge to keep everyone going.  First-time teacher nerves were soon forgotten with the explosion of joy as the children discovered what they could do. Ask them about penguin racing with large balls, about making beautiful bracelets, about storm-effects using the backs of chairs, about ice-breaking drama games like Zip Zap Bong! And they’ll smile as they explain. So many memories. In Happy Hour one little girl called Ramona stayed frozen with the excitement of having her nails painted and had to be persuaded to move her fingers again!

One of the great things about this scheme is the partnership between English and Romanian students which means that the sixth formers there carry on developing the links with abandoned and disabled Romanian children when the English sixth formers come back.

Click here to see photos of the 2010 project.

Click here to read more about the venture.