A group of thirteen and fourteen year olds studying Spanish at Greendown School in Grange Park have been given the unique chance to bid for a place on a working adventure trip to Ocotal, Swindon's twin town in Nicaragua next December.

Alan Bailey from Swindon's youth services gave a slide presentation to the students on 21 January to describe the project and make them aware of the difficulties of living in a third world country.

"Ocotal is still suffering from the devastating hurricane that went through central America in 1998, but the people are getting the town back together by their own efforts and with money and practical help from Swindon people. We are planning a tree planting project which will give students from Greendown the chance to work alongside local young people. "Those who are selected will go into a very demanding environment: no Macdonalds round the corner, no mobile phones to call home, very few of the home comforts they are used to."

During the three weeks in Nicaragua, in addition to the tree planting, treks into the volcano region are planned and also a five day canoe expedition. Top set Spanish student Danny Dunn, 15, said, "this is a fantastic project. I'd really like to be selected."

Roshni Patel, 15, found the idea both exciting and daunting. "It would be a great experience, but some of the things I've heard about the insects and the basic living conditions makes me wonder if I could do it."

Teacher Evelyn Wheeler, head of year 9, said, "this is a phenomenal opportunity; it will be difficult to select the fifteen to go. Some of the students have already asked me about extra Spanish lessons."

Each student will have to raise over £1,000 to cover the cost of the trip and also two team building preparation weekends during the year. Fund raising ideas are being thought up and the school will be making appeals to local industry for sponsorship.