Scottish schools are being urged to build stronger relationships with the people they support in poor countries.

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) has launched an initiative called Project Connect, which allows pupils to find out more about SCIAF’s work in Burundi, India and Nicaragua by using a new, interactive online resource before deciding which country, and even which project, their school would like to focus on.

A range of downloadable materials is available, including teachers’ notes with suggestions for classroom activities and inter-disciplinary tasks, PowerPoint presentations and videos.

Schools will also receive two updates per year from their chosen country informing them of new developments, thanking them for their support, and letting them know how the projects they are supporting are helping people.

John Sharp, SCIAF’s schools officer, said: “Schools throughout Scotland raise huge sums of money to support SCIAF’s work around the world.

“As part of their fundraising and learning activities we want to offer students and teachers the opportunity to build direct connections to some of the communities we work with.”

www.sciafyouth.org.ukyouthconnect.