STUDENTS from four Wyre Forest and Hagley schools have returned from a study programme at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The sixth form pupils from King Charles I School, Stourport High School. Hagley Catholic High School and Haybridge High School, joined forces for their five-day Global Citizenship Study Programme.

As part of the ConitnU Trust lead trip, the 25 students and staff spent their time meeting expert representatives of seven different UN agencies at the Palais Des Nations.

The representatives of the various agencies and commissions made presentations on their work and current challenges, including relief efforts in the crises in Syria, Gaza and Iraq.

Students were also given the change to pose questions to the experts to get insight into stories which are currently in the media.

Laura Brennan, 17, from King Charles I School, said: “Going to Geneva was honestly the trip of a lifetime.

“Being able to talk to the different UN representatives allowed me to broaden my knowledge and understanding of how they help people in emergencies and I have had the pleasure of making some great new friends.”

Amy Williams, 17, from Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre, said: “It has really inspired me to help others a lot more in the future, as there are many people that are in need”.

As part of the trip, the pupils will now share their experiences with fellow students in their schools during the coming year through assemblies, newsletters and presentations, as well as helping run campaigns in aid of one or two UN campaigns such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Michael Conroy Harris, co-ordinator of the visit, said: “It is the first such joint foreign visit by so many local schools and is a unique opportunity for the young people to get a wider view of where their careers and talents could take them - while making a real difference to others.

“It was so much more than a holiday - the students came home full of ideas and the practical commitment to help share their insights by speaking to their peers is what makes all the difference with this visit.”