Rachel Moon, head of marketing at Bolton-based business broker Knightsbridge Business Sales, first visited the African country three years ago after booking a last-minute holiday, and was touched by the plight faced by youngsters trying to get a decent education.
She said: "I stayed in a hostel in the village of Tanji where I met the locals. It soon became apparent that many of the children could not afford to go to school, as their parents couldn't pay the tuition fees and had no money for books, pens or pencils.
"My friends and I decided to help and hit on the idea of getting sponsors to help those kids get a decent education."
On her return, Rachel set up a sponsorship scheme for youngsters in Tanji, where school fees cost £180 a year - beyond the reach of many families.
Over time, Rachel has found sponsors for 12 children and donated hundreds of pounds for books and equipment.
Now she is taking a sabbatical to spend several months in the village school.
Her boss Greg Jackson said: "We are extremely proud of Rachel and the fact that she has taken up this initiative to help these children get the education they deserve."
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