CARING schoolchildren are hoping to raise £10,000 to build an orphanage for those suffering in South Africa. Students at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage were set a challenge during last summer to raise money for people in Luganda. Teacher Roger Brown

CARING schoolchildren are hoping to raise £10,000 to build an orphanage for those suffering in South Africa.

Students at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage were set a challenge during last summer to raise money for people in Luganda.

Teacher Roger Brown said: "The students were told of the severe hardships that these people were suffering. They heard how many of the children had very little in the way of food and possessions and that many were orphaned because of HIV and AIDS."

Since then the students have been raising money by holding talent shows, sponsored sports competitions, discos and a non-uniform day.

Their teacher Mr Brown travelled to South Africa to live and work with the people of Luganda last summer. He took with him £1,100, money the students raised, to help with the cost of building a community centre and HIV clinic which is now open for the people of Luganda to use.

Mr Brown said: "Our school is very keen to continue its charity links with Luganda, and our project for this school year is to help raise funds towards the building of a children's orphanage.

"At the beginning of this year many of the school's parents, staff and governors contributed to the fund.

"Our students have also written to members of local industry and many of the football premiership clubs. Some of the latter have contributed items to be auctioned in school."

Other events planned include more non-uniform days, discos and a sixth form dinner dance.