I recently volunteered at a school known as Mamma's Crèche in a township called Masiphumelele (Masi) near Cape Town in South Africa. This is a black township, where people live in very poor conditions, often in makeshift tin houses. However, the community is a thriving place with a salon, library and community centre. Yet, these amenities are nothing like we are used to in the first world.

The school is another essential part of that community, the kids (ages 2-8) arrive as early as 6.30am and leave at 5.30pm, allowing for their parents to work. In this time the children get lessons in English and maths, playtime, nap time, stories and warm meals provided by the school where the head teacher, Agnes, pays for all the supplies, trips, food, maintenance, and so on. Despite this incredible generosity, she is also a member of Masi, living alongside others in this impoverished town. Unsurprisingly, the school lacks the basics - they don't even have a whiteboard and barely have electricity; a computer is something of dreams.

Nevertheless, the people of Masi don't let these issues show. The staff and children are adapted to living in this environment, they play games, dance and joke around constantly. Just looking at their smiles you'd think all is fine. However, after a few weeks of volunteering we asked her about the financial situation, and she broke down. It was heartbreaking to see someone who is so motivated, passionate and determined to educate children so they're lives are better off than her own struggle so much.

Education is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty. Only with education can these kids get a job with a good enough pay to feed their future children, give them an education and send them off for higher education.

This is where you come in. Agnes needs help! One woman can't do everything! I'm asking for kind donations. This can range from anything - pencils, paints, printer ink, puzzles, play equipment, posters, globes, dress up clothes, kitchen equipment, toilet paper, whiteboards, musical instruments, and so on. They would be so grateful for anything! If you want to donate money, I have attached a link to a donating page which will feed straight into the school's bank account, and with Agnes in charge this will definitely be spent wisely.

Please let me know (comment, message, tell me in person, etc) if you would like to help with this cause and I will organise shipping directly to the school. It is a truly worthy cause that really will change Agnes', her staff and 60 children's lives.