HEALTH students from Hugh Baird College have recently returned from a 2 week volunteering placement in Zanzibar, Africa.

Partnering with the charity African Impact, Katie, Grace, Leiha, Sian, Cailin, and Libbie; along with their tutors Tina and Sam, worked in the village of Jambiani, where they engaged:- in a wide range of projects aimed at improving education and community well being.

Over the course of 2 weeks, the students made an impact on the local community by working closely with volunteer teachers to improve English language skills. They helped teach both adults and children, ensuring the youngest members of the community learned essential hygiene practices while assisting Maasai adults enhance their English proficiency.

1 of the most memorable moments for the students came after their English lessons with the Maasai community. They were invited to celebrate with the Maasai people through traditional dance, a cultural exchange that left a deep impression on everyone involved.

During their time off, the students embraced Zanzibar's natural beauty and rich history. They swam with dolphins, a once in a lifetime experience that brought them face-to-face with the island's stunning wildlife.

Additionally, they toured 1 of Zanzibar's famous spice farms, learning about the cultivation and production of spices the island is renowned for. A guided tour of Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic capital, gave them insight into the island's rich history and culture, as well as the blend of African, Arab and European influences that shape it today.

Leiha, 1 of the students, shared her excitement:- "Teaching the local children and Maasai adults was incredibly rewarding, but having the chance to explore Zanzibar; from swimming with dolphins to visiting a spice farm and Stone Town; made this trip truly unforgettable."

Sian, another student, reflected on how the experience will benefit her studies:- "This trip has given me real world experience working with diverse communities and improving communication skills. What I've learned in Zanzibar will support my studies by helping me understand the importance of adapting care and education to different cultural needs. It's also given me confidence in communicating across language barriers, which will be invaluable in my future career in healthcare, where building strong relationships with people from all backgrounds is essential."

Tutor and Curriculum Manager Tina Blease added:- "Our students didn't just teach; they learned and grew in ways we never imagined. This experience showed them how powerful education and cultural exchange can be, and I'm incredibly proud of everything they accomplished.".

Edge Hill University secures £170,000 of Government funding to help Lancashire business harness AI for growth

EDGE Hill University computer science experts have been awarded £170,000 of Government funding to help a Lancashire company harness the power of AI to grow their business.

J. Wareing and Son designs and builds steel-framed structures for agricultural and commercial sectors and has been trading for 105 years.

The Preston-based company has partnered with the University to develop a cloud-based quoting system that will use bespoke AI technology to boost business.

This cutting edge system will improve the company's productivity and expand its market share both Regionally and nationally.

The 2½ year venture is being supported by £170,000 from Innovate UK's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme.

Professor Marcello Trovati, a leading expert in computer science at Edge Hill University, will spearhead the innovative project and is highly experienced in delivering AI-based KTPs.

He said:- "We are delighted to expand Edge Hill's AI-driven KTP portfolio with this exciting new partnership. This complex and forward-thinking project is set to revolutionise J. Wareing's operations by enhancing their capacity, efficiency and accuracy through an intelligent cloud based quoting system. The outcomes will not only solidify J. Wareing's competitive edge in the construction market but also create significant opportunities for advancing our research and fostering knowledge exchange."

J. Wareing 1st collaborated with the University in 2021 through the SME Productivity & Innovation Centre's Innovation Sprint Programme. The new partnership will also see the employment of a Computer Science Masters level associate who will play a key role in developing the AI solution.

Construction Director, Chris Wareing said:- "The KTP project will be transformative for our business. Bringing AI solutions and capabilities in-house will not only strengthen our competitive advantage in the market but also equip us to tackle challenges beyond the KTP, ensuring the business remains agile and future-ready for generations to come."

This is the sixth AI-focused KTP project delivered by the University in the last 8 years, reinforcing Edge Hill's position as a leading provider of KTP projects in the Region.

For more information on the growth support offered by Edge Hill's SME Productivity and Innovation Centre, visit:- Edge Hill University SME Centre's website.