We are a group of women in business, (Kate Goodman, Emma Guy, Fi Jones, Lily Newman, Hayfa Saad and Elaine Sagar) who are working together to raise funds for Act4Africa. During our 'Fundraising Fortnight' Campaign in February (16th - 27th February) we will be raising money to purchase a vital minibus for vulnerable children and young mums to ensure they can access education at the charity's centre in Uganda.

Kathy's Centre (named after the charity's founder) supports some of the most vulnerable people imaginable:

• Impoverished children aged 3–6, giving them access to exceptional early years education

• Young mothers aged 13–22, many of whom have experienced rape, coercion, or early forced marriage

At the centre, these girls and young women receive counselling, health education and vocational skills training. It is a safe space where they can rebuild confidence and develop skills needed to set up micro-businesses to earn a living and provide for their children.

Our intention is to help every mum and child that Act4Africa supports to 'build a better future' for themselves and their families. Here in the UK, we take education for granted. In Uganda it is not free and is only accessible to the wealthy few. Our aim is to help to level the playing field, and ensure that it is accessible to even the most vulnerable.

In order to do this, transport is essential.

Without a reliable minibus, many of the children and young mothers cannot safely reach Act4Africa's education centre — meaning they miss out on education, support and protection.

Nearly £7,000 has already been pledged by our committed fundraising team of working mums. We now need to raise the remaining £8,000 to make the purchase of this minibus a reality.

We are asking other women in business, parents, company owners and compassionate friends to join us. Every donation — large or small — brings us closer to providing a lifeline for children and young mothers who urgently need it.

Thank you so much for your support.