Zhao Chenhao, a student from Zhejiang Guangsha College of Applied Construction Technology, whitewashes a wall at a high school in Dakar, capital of the Republic of Senegal, in West Africa. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

A group of students from Zhejiang province recently volunteered to repair buildings of a high school in Dakar, capital of the Republic of Senegal, in West Africa.

The group includes 12 students from two vocational schools and one college in Zhejiang, led by three teachers.

It is part of an international volunteer program that lasts two months. It was initiated by the mayor's association of Senegal and undertaken by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. 

The high school being renovated was established in 1971 and has 39 classes and more than 1,900 students. Some of the classrooms have suffered from ground subsidence, cracks in the wall, ceiling leakages and other problems.

The group started their work soon after they arrived at Dakar on July 13, repairing and whitewashing walls and digging trenches. 

They also cooperated with local architects to discuss construction plans and select materials. 

Most of the students are from Zhejiang Guangsha College of Applied Construction Technology who major in architecture. The also took a two-week intensive training course on construction skills, oral French and diplomatic protocol before their departure.