TWO friends are set to head to Eswatini to help build a school for orphans and vulnerable children.

Siena Harding and Kelsey Jarvis are two of 14 youngsters from the Alec Hunter Academy, in Braintree, who are set to take part in the expedition in July next year.

As part of the adventure to the landlocked southern African nation, which was called Swaziland until last April, they will help to build a school for orphans.

The orphans currently have to make a two-hour round trip every day to get to school in a neighbouring community.

The girls will only be 14 years old by the time they set foot off the plane in Eswatini.

Siena said: “We’re doing this to help children less fortunate than ourselves.”

Kelsey added: “We are so excited to be given this opportunity and although the fundraising has been really hard work, it will be worth it.”

As part of their challenge they must organise their own fundraising events to enable them to pay their way to Eswatini.

The girls started their fundraising last November, making doggy bandanas, Christmas treat baubles and cones for cats and dogs and sweet cones.

They have run a market stall several times at the Braintree market, Bocking Fair and at Christmas fairs, and have also organised a bingo night, an Easter Egg hunt and a fair.

They are now getting ready to host a fundraising race night, which will take place on Saturday, July 13 at the Kavern in Braintree.