It's not just a school - it's the heart of the community

By supporting a Plan school project, you become part of an exciting process that helps a whole community break the cycle of poverty.

In developing countries, local government authorities often provide the land required for the school and its grounds, and help to train the staff.

Donations through Plan supply construction materials, furniture and equipment – and training for local people on how to build with local materials, a knowledge and skill they will keep for generations to come.

The pupils are involved right from the beginning, helping to design classrooms and encourage their parents to participate and after consultations the school meets a range of needs specific to that community.

But a school is not just a building, e quipped with kitchens and latrines, the school can provide a source of safe, clean water. With a vegetable garden in the grounds, it can supply the nutritious food that children need to stay healthy. With sports facilities, it can offer pupils a chance for fun and recreation, and in the evening it acts as a meeting place for parents and local officials – crucial to the school’s on-going success.

Buildings are strengthened against such natural hazards as earthquakes and tornadoes, and thus can act as life-saving shelters in the event of emergencies.

Overseen by a management committee on which children voices are represented, a school is a powerful engine for real change – not least for girls who may be the first generation of women in their village to receive an education.

The cost of helping children and their communities

£11,670 could fund a nursery in El Salvador for 218 children.

£18,000 could provide a school for over 100 pupils in Guatemala enabling the construction of a classroom, a playground, a rainwater harvesting system and two latrines and provide teacher training.

£25,000 could provide a school for over 400 children in Ghana including the construction of a new six-classroom block, a library, furniture, books, latrines and the training of the school management committee.