YOUNGSTERS who travel to Africa to carry out vital charity work have won a prestigious national award.

Students at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy travelled to Kampala in Uganda this year as part of the annual AfriDACA project.

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And their benevolence was recognised when the school was given the Independent Academies Association (IAA) Award for Partnerships Through International Educational Outreach.

The school was also one of three finalists shortlisted for the Award for Entrepreneurial and Innovative Practice.

The international outreach award recognised DACA’s long-term commitment to improving education and enhancing understanding of different cultures through its programme of overseas visits and project work in disadvantaged communities.

Last year, the AfriDACA project saw nine students travel to Kampala to help the charity RETRAK, which has a number of projects helping street children who have been displaced from other communities through persecution, or who have lost parents and family to AIDS.

And students are already fundraising for the next trip which will involve even more students, some of whom will be experiencing an overseas trip for the first time.

DACA was the only school at the awards shortlisted for more than one award. Principal Brendan Loughran said: “We were delighted to receive the award for partnerships through international outreach.

“In the last year alone, we have run seven educational visits overseas, giving our students fantastic opportunities and experiences.”

Director of external affairs Alan Brooks said: “The awards are great recognition of the work of staff and students.

“Darwen was one of the first schools that the foundation sponsored but the commitment that was recognised by the IAA judges is typical of the fantastic teachers, students and governors across our family of schools.”