PREPARATIONS ARE being made at St Andrews University ahead of Project Zambia 2010’s launch.

The project aims to deliver health, education and sport projects to the children of Zambia.

A ‘Comic Relief’-style launch event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at 7.30pm in the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews.

All members of the university and local community are invited to attend.

With a cappella singing, pipes and drums, dance acts and a performance from ByreRythm on the taiko drums, the event will also showcase the musical talents of university staff with bands Five by Five, The Full Tin Tin and Dry Island Buffalo Jump taking to the stage.

Student band Bring Back the Planes and St Andrews’ oldest, finest—and only— improvised comedy troupe Blind Mirth will also be performing at the event.

Film footage from this summer’s project will also be shown, and students will speak about their experiences.

The event launches both the university’s current commitment to the five-year project, as well as the fund-raising campaign, which hopes to raise £40,000 by next summer.

Dr Chris Lusk, director of student services, said, “The project is a clear ‘win-win’ on all sides.

“The Zambians invite us, welcome us and benefit from our commitment and our partnership.

“The students gain huge benefits in self development, coaching and teaching skills and come back offering learning opportunities to other students.”

As well as expanding the reach of the project next year, with more students and staff taking a longer placement in Zambia, Dr Lusk hopes that the benefits will be felt closer to home as well.

“We plan this year to go into local schools to help with African sports days, showing films of the project and sharing traditional Zambian songs and games with our St Andrews children,” he said.

Tickets for the launch are £10 (£7.50 concessions) and are available from university departments. They can also be reserved by calling 01334 462020.