AWARENESS of poverty and how to live sustainably on very little has become a key subject at Staunton-on-Wye primary school.

As an educational sustainable development school, headteacher Pippa Lloyd stepped out a bit further by travelling to Nigeria so her pupils could learn from those of their own age in developing countries.

Her visit was organised by Hereford-based charity, Concern Universal, which creates alternative livelihood projects and is a pioneer for children’s rights.

“More than half the people in these countries don’t have running water and have to walk long distances for it,” explained Ms Lloyd.

“They are living a very sustainable existence with awful facilities. We hope it helps our children learn something from how they live as well as becoming more morally aware. It’s a subject that can be introduced in all areas of their learning.” Ms Lloyd made links with two schools while in Nigeria and the children have already written asking about the differences between their lives.

To reinforce the educational programme, she invited one of Southern Africa’s leading activists, co-ordinator Tutu Kachingwe-Sisya who spoke to the children about his own country, Malawi – one of the poorest African nations, where life expectancy is 37 years and falling.

Tutu told the children of his own beautiful but poor country where the children made their own toys, describing how they lived and what they ate.

The humanitarian and emergency relief co-ordinator went on to meet Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Sarah Carr, to raise awareness of what the charity does. He also talked about his HIV/AIDS programme awareness training, treatment and support.

By Anne Glover.