A Gidea Park pre-school is raising money to build a cr�che for a village in South Africa.

Owner of Oakfields Montessori Day Nursery Kerrie Malandreniotis went on holiday to Africa a few months ago and said she was affected by what she saw and wanted to help.

She said she visited some schools during her trip in Ulusaba and when she got back decided to raise money to build a cr�che in the village of Bushbuckridge in South Africa through the Virgin Unite charity Pride’ n Purpose. She pledged to build and equip the pre-school for children aged two to six and has already managed to raise �25,000 and building work has already begun.

Children at Oakfields Montessori Day Nursery, in Heath Park Road, are currently fundraising to raise money for equipment both indoor and outdoor for the cr�che.

Mrs Malandreniotis said in a letter to parents: “I met such wonderful children in South Africa, children who have so little but who are so welcoming, full of smiles and cuddles. Please help me to give them a better start in life.”

She added: “During my trip I felt compelled to contribute in some way. I am personally donating money to build the pre-school cr�che for the children. We hope to raise funds to buy toys, books and other indoor and outdoor equipment for the cr�che.”

She hopes to have the first intake of children in late autumn and is planning to go to the site in October to help set the cr�che up.

She is then hoping to offer long-term support for the cr�ches by raising an additional �10,000.

The school is holding a sponsored walk in Hylands Park, Hornchurch, on October 7, to raise money towards the school.

If you would like to donate money you can visit her fundraising site at: http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Kerries-Creche/