Students learn how the other half lives

CARING . . . Esme Jones, Katie Connor, Catherine Morris and Lee Bell

CARING schoolchildren extended the hand of friendship across the globe by comparing their Christmas wishes with children from the poorest slums in Kenya.

Youngsters aged 10 and 11 from Crompton Primary School took part in the project which saw them compare their Christmas dreams with children in the slums of Nairobi.

They also learned about a government scheme to help the poorest families.

The Department for international Development (DFID) and the Kenya government offers orphans and vulnerable children a cash-transfer scheme.

This means 500 families with children in need in Korogocho receive about £25 every two months to pay for essentials like food, rent and school uniforms.

Lee Bell (11) from Shaw, said: “All I want for Christmas is to see my nana and grandad, and they’re coming over to see me on Christmas Day so my wishes will come true. I would also like some wrestling figures, as I collect them. Learning about the lives of children my age in Kenya makes me realise how lucky I am.

“I’m glad that our government is sending money to help children in Africa.”

Katie Connor (10) from Shaw, said: “I felt really awful when I heard about how some young people in Kenya live, but it’s good we are giving something to help children go to school.”

Martin Moore, headteacher, said: “It is a really sobering reminder to compare our lives here at Christmas with those of some of the poorest children in the world.”

Douglas Alexander, secretary of state for international development, said: “Most children in Shaw will be eagerly awaiting their Christmas holidays, yet these children in Kenyan slums want nothing more than to go to school.

“Aid given by the UK Government means that the people of Britain are helping make their Christmas wishes come true.”