STUDENTS from Okehampton College have been on a life-changing trip this summer, helping orphans in Bulgaria. In July, a group of Year 11 and Year 12 students travelled to Bulgaria and arranged a week of activities for the children of Barzitsa Orphanage. The orphanage is home to around 80 children aged between four and eighteen years old. The trip was co-ordinated by the college with assistance from the Okehampton-based House of Rachel charity. While in Bulgaria, the student team ran workshops in sports, crafts and music to boost the children's self-esteem and confidence. The summer months are when the children will not be at school, and are most vulnerable to getting involved with criminal gangs. These workshops are a fun way to develop new social and vocational skills and prevent the children from getting involved with crime. Charity founder Andrew Morgan said: 'The demand for places was exceptionally high this year, with more than 40 students applying for just 19 places. Head of sixth form Neil Sproats had the unenviable task of selecting the final 19. 'Many of the applicants were students who have been before and have a strong desire to carry on where they left off last year. 'This trip really does have a profound and lasting effect on the students. 'As usual the students conducted a variety of fund raisers in order to pay for their trip. 'In addition, everyone contributed to the vast array of equipment we took out — art and craft materials, sports equipment, toys, games and more. 'This year we had a new experience as we joined the children of Barzitsa on the beach at Balchik followed by a barbecue. The rest of the week was spent organising various activities for the children. 'The Okehampton students were amazing. They worked hard and gave their all to give the children a fabulous week. They truly are a credit to our town.' For more information on the work of the charity, please visit http://www.houseofrachel.org">www.houseofrachel.org