I'm travelling to Gambia in March, to volunteer at a primary school in Brikama - Marang Beyai Memorial Kindergarten.

Early years education is not a given in Gambia - the government don't pay for schooling until 7yr old! This Kindergarten relies on donations to keep it running, but have been told that if they don't provide better toilet facilities, they'll be closed down.

150 children attend this school, which has 3 classrooms, but only 2 teachers. There's no grass to play on, no adequate sanitation, no new books or funding - things we all take for granted.

Which is why I need your help please. My Granda has kindly made a generous donation towards the cost, but I'd like to raise the rest of the money before I travel, so that I can tell them to "start building"!

My grandparents have been there on holiday a couple of times & were so shocked at the living conditions and schooling facilities that they've chosen to support them by raising money, sending books, stationery, clothing etc & Granny has volunteered previously too.

Having looked at the pictures & heard their stories, I couldn't wait to help these children too.

Please donate as much or as little as you can, whether it be cash, books, stationery, clothing - every bit will help to give these children a better start in life & a brighter future.