A NORTH-EAST couple who have made a world of difference to a school in Africa have brought their charity work closer to home.

Alan and Jean Gardner, from Byers Green, in County Durham, discovered Masite Nek Primary School, in Lesotho, while backpacking in southern Africa in 1999.

They were so inspired by their trip, they have been fundraising for the school ever since, returning several times to see their efforts take shape.

They have helped to build three classrooms, a kitchen and toilets, buy books for a library, install a water pump, and sponsor the education of the most needy children.

To make the relationship two-way, Mr and Mrs Gardner have paid for Masite Nek’s headteacher, Matlali Matete, to visit them.

Mr Gardner said: “It’s been so important for us to bring her here. We wanted to share our culture and we’ve got links with the village school so wanted to make that a reality.”

Mrs Matete said: “They have made a lot of difference to our school, they helped with the building, and the children like them very much and we appreciate them.

“There is a friendly atmosphere in the school, which they put there.”

During her month-long stay with the couple, her first trip outside of Africa, she has spent time at their village school, Byers Green Primary.

She was keen to see how schools in this country work, and pupils and staff were fascinated to hear about the culture of Lesotho.

Mrs Matete said: “It has been lovely.

“This school is excellent.

The buildings are most excellent and the materials for teaching the children are excellent.

“The pupils are respectful and always want to learn.

“It has been interesting to see how teachers work and how children learn – there are things I will introduce back home, especially time keeping.”

Her school has 190 children who walk as far as 6km to lessons, compared to 84 pupils at Byers Green.

Her school has no electricity, and only primary education is free.

Byers Green headteacher, Bill Kirtley, said: “This is the kind of experience that our children will remember for the rest of their lives.

“There is no better way to learn about other people and cultures than first-hand experience.

“We’re a fairly remote school ourselves, so the benefits of a real international link are immeasurable.”