Pupils fund new African school

The 31-strong girls - who call themselves Girls Against Poverty (GAP) - have already raised 1,800 for the secondary school, which currently stands half-built in the village of Buikwe, two hours from the capital Kampala.

Now the teenagers, who attend Kingstone school in Barnsley, have organised a concert that they hope will raise the roof - literally.

The school has strong links with the village after pupils last year raised funds to renovate and equip a disused building which is now a technical school for adults. The GAP girls were inspired after seeing a classroom for sale in an Oxfam catalogue, although they decided they could go one better.

Their efforts so far have paid for the land and half the building work - and they're hard at work raising the 2,000 necessary to complete the project.

Teacher Jane Smith paid tribute to the girls' commitment, ambition and determination.

She added: "The girls are amazing; they have always said they can do it. They are making a real difference to people's lives and I'm so proud of them. That group has made me cry more than any other - but for all the right reasons.

"It's been great for their confidence. They've been very giving of their time, given talks in assembly and motivated other pupils. They've shown incredible maturity and responsibility."

Ms Smith was one of a number of teachers who visited the country in the summer. They witnessed the dedication of local people, who are building the school by hand, and met some of its future students.

Ms Smith said: "It was the hardest thing I have done emotionally and physically. Seeing how little they have got, at times it made me feel so inadequate and helpless - the scale of poverty was unbelievable."

A group of Ugandans are currently in Barnsley to tell the children about progress in their village. The concert, on Thursday October 4, will feature six Ugandans singing, dancing and playing drums, as well as songs by GAP girls and solos by three teachers.

There will also be a raffle, an auction, and the 160 pieces of material required to finish the school will be on sale costing from 75p for a bag of nails up to 30.

Tickets, costing 4 and 2 are available for Ms Smith at the school, call 01226 215757, or on the door.