CHILDREN at Five Lanes Primary launched a fundraising challenge last Thursday, which will see them turn rice into cash to help a school in Africa.

The school, which has class rooms in both Potterne and Worton, came together to launch the JPS 90kg Rice Challenge with art, music, dance, food and stories.

The youngsters are taking part to help pupils in Malawi, where secondary education is not free, and will have to use their entrepreneurial skills to raise as much money as they can by selling the 90kg of rice.

One of the organisers, teacher Laura Hurn, said: “The launch was a great day with the children learning about Malawi and how the challenge will help children there.

“On March 19, we will also be holding a Fairtrade market selling products made by the children with the rice.”

JTS, a fair trade organisation set up to help with the import and distribution of products to the UK, has provided resources for the challenge, including interviews with farmers, information sheets about the rice and posters.

The children will also be learning about Fairtrade and sustainability as well as working with Grenville Jones, from the Golden Oldies charity, to involve the community in the challenge.