Tragedy on School Trek - a statement from World Challenge

In July 2012 a 17 year old died during a school trek in Morocco organised by World Challenge. 

Following the recent inquest World Challenge have provided us with documents that schools will be interested to read. 

The documents include a statement made before the inquest and a statement from the MD, Matt Eastlake, following the Coroner’s verdict.  There is a letter that has been put together for School Heads who have groups travelling with WCE in future and there are documents outlining work that has been done in the aftermath of the incident to improve various safety elements of the trip.

Statement 7/1/2014

Everyone at World Challenge was deeply saddened by Samuel Boon's death and our sincere condolences are with his family.

We are providing all possible support to the Coroner this week to help her determine the circumstances around Samuel's death.

Rest assured that World Challenge's highest priority is the safety and security of its participants. We have worked hard over the last 26 years to develop an excellent reputation for our approach and how we operate.

Our safety policies and procedures are first-rate and fully comply with The British Standard for overseas expeditions and fieldwork, BS 8848 and Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto

We take nothing for granted, however, and are continually taking steps to strengthen our policies.

In recent months this has meant the introduction of two pre-departure workshops (an Adventure Workshop including elements on health and hygiene and a Build-up Day where leaders can check medical information), additional opportunities for parents to meet us and ask questions, and more detailed information on our website regarding the physical nature of our trips.

Matt Eastlake, Managing Director of World Challenge:

Samuel Boon's death was an absolute tragedy and our deepest sympathies remain with his family and friends.

World Challenge's highest priority is the safety of its participants and as the Coroner noted, we have introduced a number of new measures since Samuel's death, especially in terms of monitoring participant fitness.

We will take time to reflect on the Coroner's findings and give serious consideration to any change or development where we feel appropriate which will improve safety further.

World Challenge is committed to running the safest expeditions possible. Each year we take almost 10,000 young people on educational expeditions to over 65 destinations. We have worked hard over the last 26 years to develop an excellent reputation for our approach to safety and how we operate. Our policies and procedures reflect industry good-practice and comply with The British Standard for Overseas Expeditions and Fieldwork (BS 8848) and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).

The letter issued to Heads is attached. 

We would also like to take the opportunity to express our deepest sympathies to Samuel's family and friends.