A student from Tarvin wants the public’s help to fund a heartwarming project that will help underprivileged children in Uganda.

Elise Schofield is keen to set up as many fundraising activities as she can to pay for the Uganda Gorilla Project in which she will spend three weeks in East Africa to help build a playground for a local community from scratch.

The Kent University student is a member of a volunteering society called Raise and Give and each year they provide different challenges and events for their members to take part in for different charities.

The aim of Elise’s chosen charity, East African Playgrounds, is to change the lives of disadvantaged children by developing their learning opportunities and environment - and the project will enable Elise to help create a place for youngsters to develop their health and wellbeing through communication and social interaction.

But to enable her to do this, she needs to raise £2,400 which includes flights, cash towards the jungle trek and for building the playground.

Elise, who is in the second year of her drama and theatre studies degree, said: “I am keen to ask if people or local companies would be interested in donating to me or sponsoring me and in return they would be able to have their company logo on my T-shirt when I’m out in Uganda and through the various fundraising events I’ve organised, which include a Chinese takeaway evening where I’m cooking the food, a film night, poetry slam, comedy night, cookie sale and bucket collections.

“Volunteering is a huge part of who I am and I’m so proud and excited to be a part of this development in Uganda, it will be a fantastic experience. I know it will change me as a person, as it will be so rewarding to see the lives of disadvantaged children improve.

“Play is something that children and adults do every day, but without realising it. It’s been proven that attendance in schools has risen after the building of the playgrounds, as the children have stayed at lunchtime to play instead of going home to eat.

“It also helps to alleviate child’s stresses of living in poverty,” added Elise.

“If anyone is willing to donate their money or time I would be very grateful.”

To sponsor or donate to Elise, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/eliseschofield