A YOUNG Nailsea couple have set up a free school in Uganda after being struck by the poverty experienced by the country’s children.

During a year off from their jobs, 22-year-olds Mark and Megan Walters travelled to the African country in the hope of helping some of its people.

While in Uganda they were able to buy a small building, with the help of a social worker, and convert it into a school, where they began teaching 15 children some basic skills.

As long-standing members of Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Church, Mark and Megan were supported in their project by other church-goers who helped raise money through different events, including a breakfast at Golden Valley Primary School, which raised nearly �300.

Pam Salisbury of Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Church said: “The most desperate need was for free education which would give the children some chance of a life outside the slum.

“This will help them catch up with others if and when a state school place becomes possible.”

Mark, headkeeper for reptiles and birds at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, and Megan, a gym teacher and nanny, have also created a charity called Hope For Life Katanga, which funds a local teacher and the ongoing costs of materials to run the school and evening training centre for life skills and other community work.

* For more details about the project visit www.hopeforlifekatanga.com