Six students from ROC College, and four staff members, recently spent two weeks in Cyprus as part of an international residential programme designed to help young people develop skills for adulthood. 

The trip was funded through the Turing Scheme, via ‘Eat That Frog’, and offered Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students the opportunity to take part in work experience, cultural activities and independent living in a completely new environment. 

Learning through new experiences 

During their time in Cyprus, the students lived together in a shared villa, giving them the chance to develop their independence through tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and organisation. 

Alongside these day-to-day tasks, the group explored historical and archaeological sites, visited a bee farm, enjoyed a boat trip, and even had time for some fun trips to a water park and mini golf! 

The residential also provided plenty of opportunities for students to build on their social skills and experience a different culture. 

A key part of the trip was work experience at Merlin’s Haven Cyprus dog rescue. 

Here, the students cleared two overgrown areas that were badly needed by the rescue centre. While the work was physically demanding, the chance to spend time with the puppies made it all worthwhile. 

Student Felix said of the experience: “What I gained from this visit is that my spark for wanting to help animals has been reignited, after seeing the stray dogs in person. I really enjoyed seeing all the animals at the shelter. This resulted in me researching animals more in my free time, which could help me in the future.” 

The following week, the students returned to help with maintenance work, giving a fresh coat of paint to metal chairs that were in need of attention. 

Taking the next step 

As well as helping the rescue centre, the placement gave students the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work as part of a team, follow instructions, solve problems and take responsibility for meaningful tasks. It also offered an insight into careers in animal care and the importance of supporting local charities. 

Now in its fifth year, the residential programme continues to give SEND students the opportunity to have new, exciting experiences and build on personal growth to help prepare them for their next stage in life. 

For the students involved, the trip was much more than a holiday abroad. It was a chance to learn key life skills, make lasting memories and become even more independent.