A Ramsey woman is aiming to bring a charity appeal to help African children in poverty to schools around the island.

’The Ankoma Dream’ is a project run by UK charity Ankoma Outreach which is arranging for six children living in poverty in Ankoma in Ghana to leave their village in the Kwahu district for the first time and visit the UK for one month in September 2018.

Leah Crowe, fundraising leader of the charity on the island, said: ’My plans for the future are to start a school initiative to support this amazing charity, contacting many schools regarding fundraising.

’I am also planning on doing some sponsored walks myself to raise money for the charity.’

Leah has worked as a volunteer for the charity in Ankoma.

She continued: ’At the moment the plan is to bring the children to England. As much as I would love the children to see where I am from, the majority of volunteers are from England.

’So I feel reuniting the children with all of them will be more special for the children than coming to the Isle of Man.

’Their visit will be a leisure and learning experience, aimed at increasing their future ambitions and encouraging them to break out of the poverty cycle. However, such an expansive project brings with it enormous fundraising requirements.

’The success of our fundraising efforts will determine the future for our project, and although our fundraising efforts are under way, we have a large amount to raise and need continued support. We would greatly appreciate donations of any size to contribute.’

While in the UK the charity is aiming to send the children to school each day, sightsee and explore different ideas for jobs. When they return to their village it is hoped they can then share their stories and lessons and inspire others.

The charity aims to show families the importance of education.

Since Ankoma Outreach started, more than 100 children have had their tuition fees paid for through donations, even sending some children to a preparatory school in a nearby town.

To become involved with the charity email [email protected] or visit ’The Ankoma Dream’ Facebook page.