Whilst on holiday in Guinea, in 2014, Ross residents Carol and Adrian Soble had the opportunity to visit the Jubilee School in Conakry, Guinea, to see how education in the poor West African country compared to the facilities that Herefordshire children enjoy.

This chance meeting has led to a continued friendship with the director of the school, Nicholas Thebault and the head teacher Maina Dixon

In the last 18 months, friends and colleagues have supported Carol’s fundraising events to send money to help the school and has sponsored several pupils, to give them a better start in life.

In an exciting joint venture, a Ross-on-Wye based charity, EnviroAbility has provided a collection point for redundant school furniture and equipment to be shipped out to Conakry.

Herefordshire Schools have also supported the scheme, by donating surplus chairs and tables and around 100 boxes of curriculum materials, play equipment, and more.

Members of Ross Baptist Church and the Peace and Hope Trust have also donated equipment which has now filled the container, which is being prepared for shipment.

Carol Soble said:?“Local people and organisations have shown amazing generosity, and it’s wonderful that items that are of little worth here will make a huge difference in Guinea.”

The Head, Maina Dixon told Mr and Mrs Soble that the children were all very excited about the arrival of the container and were already sending their messages of thanks.