CARING students are making final preparations for a mission to help families in one of the world’s poorest countries.

The 10-strong team from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will fly halfway round the world to Laos, in South East Asia, next week to work on a project to improve water supplies.

They will be helping residents of Nasavahn and Houy Mieng villages, near the UNESCO world heritage town of Luang Prabang.

Linzi Murdoch, from Neilston, is part of the team of BA Social Work students taking part in the mercy mission and can’t wait to get started.

“This will be a truly remarkable experience that will make me a better social worker,” said 21-year-old Linzi. “It is great to know that our placement will have such a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the villagers.”

The trip, which will be the students’ second year placement module, takes place from May 8 to June 2.

Paul Harvey, a social work lecturer at the Paisley-based university’s School of Media, Culture and Society, is co-ordinating the visit.

He said: “Laos is one of the world’s poorest countries but has a rich cultural heritage.

“The villagers of Nasavahn and Houy Mieng, through our partners at VoluntourLaos, requested our support, to which we are delighted to respond.

“Clean safe water saves lives.”

Paul, who has previously worked in rural South East Asia, added: “Social work aims to improve the positive capacities of individuals, families, groups and communities, with an emphasis upon social justice.

“We will be living with the villagers in basic facilities.

“Our students have been studying the local language, customs and social and economic conditions as part of their pre-placement work and we have been fundraising and collecting educational equipment to use in Laos.

“By undertaking this international placement, we are facilitating our students’ experiential education as global citizens and making some practical, positive improvements to people’s lives.”