A HOSPITAL project manager is preparing to help poor children during a six-week mercy mission to Central America.

Steph Thorns will teach hundreds of street children living in Guatemala City.

She will join the Phoenix Project, run by Global Vision International, on Valentine’s Day.

But first the former Yateley School pupil is holding a Spanish-themed party to help finance her voluntary trip.

The party will be held at the Farnborough College of Technology’s student union bar from 8pm to 1am on January 31, and will include live music, salsa dancing, a disco and raffle.

Steph, a treatment centre project manager at Frimley Park Hospital, will help more than 300 street children.

“Many of the children are the first in their families to attend school,” she said.

“We will offer a refuge to children whose lives have been marked by extreme poverty, abuse and neglect.

“The emphasis is to help children with their homework and provide creative activities.”

Founded in 1999, the project helps 325 children aged four to 16.

It pays their enrolment fees and buys their books, uniforms and school supplies.

Some children also receive help with homework, a healthy meal and the attention they desperately need.

“Our primary objective is to help the children attend the public school and obtain an education,” said 33-year-old Steph, who lives in Fleet and has worked at Frimley Park for 14 years.

“We are also committed to providing the children with the support and supervision they need to stay safe and off the streets.”

The project involves a team of Guatemalan teachers, volunteers and outreach workers, providing an intensive educational and recreational programme involving tutoring, sports, recreational activities, a boys and girls Saturday club and a carpentry programme.

Tickets for Steph’s party can be bought, from £5, at on guatemala@ntlworld.com.