Reggie And Douglas Go Back To School

The Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, and Comic Relief supporter, Reggie Yates, have marked the start of a new ground breaking education initiative that's all set to make a huge difference to some of the 35 million children across Africa who can't go to school.

For the first time ever, as part of this year's Red Nose Day campaign, schools across the UK are being asked to choose how the cash the raise gets spent to help overcome three of the major barriers that prevent kids across Africa from going to school.

Along with money raised by school children across the country, the Government is adding an additional £5 million to be spent on this great cause.

Douglas Alexander was joined by Comic Relief supporter and TV presenter, Reggie Yates, earlier on Thursday when they went to visit Sir John Lawes School in Hertfordshire to see school pupils in the UK choose how the cash they raise gets spent.

Using brand new Comic Relief teaching materials, the Secretary of State for International Development explained the barriers that many African kids face and helped pupils to think about how they'd like their fundraising money to be spent.

Douglas Alexander said, "I'm urging schools across the country to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day. The Government will match the money raised in the UK to help children in Africa get the chance to go to school. We've set a side an incredible £5 million for this. So have fun, get fundraising and let's make an even bigger difference!"

Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates said: "It's been great to take the lesson today with The International Development Secretary. I've been really impressed to see the pupils choose where their money goes. It empowers our kids in the UK and will make a huge difference in Africa."

In Africa some children's families are too poor to afford school. Other children aren't able to go because they have to help at home when a family member is sick. And some are so busy fending for themselves away from home that they just can't go to school. UK schools are helping to break down these barriers when they fundraise this Red Nose Day. Teachers can download teaching resources to help their pupils make their choice from: www.rednoseday.com/schools.

(JM/BMcC)