STUDENTS from a St Helens high school are aiming to extend the hand of friendship across continents once more.

In 2010 Rainford College carried out a special project at the Hope Academy High School in Kumasi, Ghana.

Rainford students completely painted the school buildings inside and out, turning a dark and gloomy building into a bright and pleasant school building.

Dave Eccles from Rainford High said: “The transformation was incredible and was really appreciated by the Ghanaian staff and students.

“Our students had an amazing time, and created many memories that will last a lifetime.

“We made so many friends and promised to try and help out with future projects aiming to improve their learning environment.”

Although the 2010 project was a great success, the classrooms in Kumasi are still without any electrical supply or practical equipment.

Science and ICT are taught on a chalk board.

Dave said: “Hope Academy are currently building a science and computing room and for Project 2013, and we have promised to help them by funding the fitting of an electrical power supply and equipping the room by recycling our old computers and science equipment.

“We want to set up educational links between our school and Hope Academy, and if we can get them online it will provide exciting opportunities for the Rainford and Ghanaian students to work together on projects in many subjects.”

In recognition of the help from Rainford College students, the new facility in Ghana will be named the Rainford Science and Computing Lab.