I first came to Nkhata bay whilst backpacking and stayed to visit the Mphatso nursery in Kande and the school at Mazembe. Once back at work I started fundraising through my school in Dubai and decided to return to volunteer.

During my two months here I distributed the cargo of toys, clothes and sports kits my school collected. I've also worked alongside the teacher at Chikali nursery school. At the moment the class meets in a local teacher's room which is way too small for 35 kids! They've been really excited to recieve the toys and books I've bought as the nursery had none before. We've tried to make the room look more cheerful by painting murals.

Since the school really need space and a safe play area, AJ and I have combined funding from the UK and my school in Dubai to build them a proper nursery. Local teachers will work alongside to help create a fun safe for the kids in Chikali.

They and their teacher are so entusiastic, they really deserve a school worthy of them. If anyone is interested in volunteering with these children all you need is a sense of fun and plenty of energy Depending on your level of experience, typical activities might include team teaching, helping small groups or playing games.

Anyone willing to help with the construction of the school will be in demand from now onwards as foundations are now dug.

Volunteeers needed

• Football coach for the girl's team
• Builders for the nursery school
• Organise and cooridinate youth club
• Working with specila needs children
• School gardens growing vegetables
• Teaching-various standards
• Build a playground
• Chikali widows group, new ideas or caryy on with existing sewing projects and solar drying
• Computer skills for information room training
• Doctors, nurses, midwives for hospitals
• Dance . drama group director
• Music lessons -must bring own instruments
• Trades, skills -workshops training e.g. printing, carpentry, electrics-anything else