STUDENTS from Teesside are heading to Romania to pass on skills to fellow educationalists and set up an orphanage nursery.

The scholars, who are studying for a foundation degree diploma in Early Years education at Redcar and Cleveland College, are visiting orphanages in the east European country.

The students will donate gifts but also pass on knowledge and skills to fellow professions in Romania.

They will also take teaching tools, including Jolly Phonics, Magical Maths and visual aids for youngsters with special needs.

Irene Walker, Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree in Early Years, said: “One of the key things we will be doing is helping to set up a nursery at one of the orphanages, so we are taking along lots of toys and materials to make it as comfortable, educational and fun as possible.”

For the past seven years, Health and Social Care students at the college have visited state-run orphanages and an old people’s home in Romania to donate goods.

This year, Health and Social Care student Danielle Russell is returning for the second time and has raised nearly £2,000 by organising Race Nights, which will be used to buy bedding, clothes, toys, luxury food items and toiletries.

Level 4 Early Years’ student Ellie Williams, 19, of Middlesbrough, said: “It’s an amazing experience to work with these children who literally have nothing and see their faces light up when we talk to them and involve them in play.”

The students have funded the trip themselves, with support from the Sir William Turner Trust.