A BROMSGROVE teacher is forging links between her school and Africa.

Abbie Sohna, a year one teacher from Meadows First School, in Stourbridge Road, is setting up the project with Bakau Primary School in The Gambia.

Abbie took part in voluntary work at the school between December 2003 and May 2004 and now children at both schools could learn about each other's way of life.

Abbie, who married a Gambian man in February, said: "I had been on holidays to The Gambia so had made friends there and visited schools and orphanages.

"I had taken pens and pencils to Bakau and decided I wanted to go over there and do some voluntary teaching."

Abbie said the differences between the schools was vast as in The Gambia the classes had up to 60 children, aged between seven and 14 and children are sent to school when their parents can afford it.

"The work was very hard, but enjoyable. I thought it would be good to set up a link between the two schools so the children can learn about different ways of life."

The school is now fundraising to help Bakau Primary. Abbie is visiting there for ten days over the Christmas holidays and again at Easter.

"I would love to get the school a computer so we can set up email exchange between pupils. But I will be visiting to find out what their priorities are and how we can help."

The first fundraising event, a skittles event, has raised about £150 for the project.