MOST of the four million children in Afghanistan have never had an education. We have eight million children in our primary and secondary schools. Think of what they could do for their less fortunate brothers and sisters if they got involved in fundraising to buy books, repair schools, train teachers. What better way is there for your pupils to become global citizens? Here are some ways to raise money and, in many cases, to learn about the country, its people and its culture.

* Put on a play or concert This encourages pupils to exercise their writing, acting and directing skills. They could even dramatise the hardships faced by Afghan children, perhaps based on the Deborah Ellis stories that have been appearing in The TES - and charge for entry to the performance.

* Sponsored event

These are always good fun. Walk or run a mile. Get parents and friends to give something up for a week (preferably something harmful, like smoking, or watching rubbish on TV). Spend a few hours doing something cultural, like learning a new language, studying Afghan history, listening to a particular composer. Turn vegetarian for a week. Sing, play, dance or declaim in public. It’s amazing what people will pay money to see you do, if you only ask them.

* Foodie special

Why not invite children and parents to bake a cake or bread to sell? You could have an Asian theme, if someone has the know-how, by bringing Asian or Middle East food.

* Kick the habit

Pupils themselves can make the supreme sacrifice and finish all the greens on their plates, stop biting their nails, or they can juts get up as soon as the alarm goes off. They can give up a bad habit or learn to like a new food, and ask grateful parents to donate some money to the appeal in exchange.

* Photo opportunity

Most children are inordinately curious about what their teachers’ parents, spouses, brothers, or sisters look like. Or what the teachers themselves looked like as children. Organise a “guess-the-teacher” photo competition, charging a fee to enter, and they can find out.

* Afghan designs

People always need tea towels, pillow cases and t-shirts. Buy some plain ones, decorate them with fabric paints, and then sell them for charity. You can link the project to Afghanistan by decorating items with traditional Muslim geometric designs.