In 2003 most children at Mugurameno used torn plastic bags to carry their books to school. Pencils, rubbers and rulers were in very short supply and children had to sit at the back of classes, watching and listening, because there simply weren’t enough resources to go round.

During our first visit to the school a little girl of six asked one of our trustees if she could bring her something during her next visit. When asked what is was the little girl replied, "Something I have always wanted".

After a little coaxing it turned out that all she wanted was her own pencil.

We were so moved by this request that on our return to the UK we decided to get school satchels and pencil cases made up for every child at the school.

With a little help from Schoolyard (suppliers of school uniform) we designed a school logo and got the items made up.

We then received a lovely surprise from Debbie and Fred Spires, who donated all their wedding gifts (WHSmith vouchers) to our charity. The vouchers enabled us to buy huge amounts of pencils, rubbers and rulers enough to fill the satchels and pencil cases.

During trips made to the school in 2005 every child was given their own satchel, pencil case and cap. They were delighted and we are very moved every time we arrive at the school to see the children treasuring their new equipment.

With more children joining the school every term the demand for this equipment is high, therefore, we take out more each time we visit.

Mugurameno Community School has even fewer resources as it is not funded by the Government. MBSCT has provided Ernest the teacher with pencils, colouring pencils, felt tip pens, paper, toys, posters and reading books.

Schoolyard again helped us in the design of a new school logo and we got t-shirts and hats printed up. Every child at the school is now a proud owner of their new uniform.

Ernest now has many more children eager to join his class, so there is a high demand for more uniform. We are planning to take more uniform out in October and we would eventually like to provide the children with school fleeces for the cold winter months.