THESE youngsters are making sure they help children less fortunate than themselves.

After reading the bestselling children’s book A Life Like Mine in their English lessons, the year four class from St James’ Daisy Hill are now helping to improve lives.

The book, a collaboration between Dorling Kindersley and UNICEF, tells of the struggles children around the world face — no education, travelling to get water and some even being forced to become child soldiers.

It also explains how they are being helped.

And it highlights the same optimism and excitement they share with other children in chasing their dream of a good life.

Class teacher Robina Durrani said: “The children asked if they could bring in some money to help.

“This in turn led to research on relevant charities and the children decided they would like to support Water Aid.

“One of the girls, Ella Bolland, went on the charity’s website at home and downloaded the information pack, and work began.”

Youngsters gave a presentation to parents and other children about what they were doing.

The class organised fundraising events, including selling cup cakes, and holding a name the bear game at the church fair.

Creative youngsters also made salt dough decorations. And grandparents lent their support by making Christmas cards and bookmarks to sell at the Christmas fair.

Mrs Durrani said: “Our current total raised for Water Aid stands at just under £300. This amount of money would currently pay to set up a community health committee in Tanzania.

“Our target is by the end of the year to raise £1,154, which will provide a sanitation block for 200 pupils at a school in Nepal.

“The teachers are extremely proud of the children’s enthusiasm and commitment in raising money for youngsters who are less fortunate than themselves.”

Children say they have learned a lot about youngsters across the world.

Thomas Diggins, aged nine, said: “I think that Water Aid is a very good charity, it makes you think about how many people die because of the lack of clean water.You only need to pay a couple of pounds a month to help a little family to have access to clean water and sanitation.”

Isobel Richard, aged eight, added: “I think that in our class doing Water Aid has really made me think about how much water we use and use less.”

Ben Summer, aged eight, said: “I am glad we chose Water Aid for our class charity because it helps people who have dirty water access clean water.

“Our class assembly showed how much we care about this cause. We even raised some money by putting on an assembly for our parents and school.”

Brittany Thomas, aged eight, added: “I would never like to drink dirty water.

“I am really happy that we are helping others in the world to have access to clean water.”