A group of six students from Dyffryn Taf have just completed a Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The four-day expedition took a route over the mountainous passes and through the depths of valleys in a journey that circumvented Mt Toubkal, the highest peak of North Africa.

The second ambition of this expedition was to learn more about the Berber culture of the region. The group visited homes of these nomadic people, sharing their lifestyles and the warmth of their welcome which included copious amounts of mint tea.

Finally, the group experienced the life of Berbers who live and work in the harsh conditions of the Sahara desert. They reached the tented homes of these people by joining a traditional camel caravan which took them deep into the desert close to the Algerian border with Morocco.

The final experience was witnessing life in the bustling city of Marrakech. An assault on all the senses after the tranquility of the rural and nomadic experienced in the early part of the journeying. Students soon caught on to the principles of bartering in the city and have brought home mementoes that will trigger memories of their North African experiences for years to come.

The students wish to thank all the sponsors who have supported them financially in making this dream become a reality. They will be presenting a lecture at Jabajak Restaurant on Thursday, April 3, at 7.30 pm, which will be accompanied by an authentic Moroccan meal. Tickets are £15 and must be purchased in advance from the school.