PUPILS at Friends Prep School have done their bit to help improve life for children in Uganda by taking part in a major art competition.

The school was just one of many throughout Ireland to compete in the 'One Life' Art Project and Competition.

The children used art to describe their lives in Ireland while pupils from 10 schools in Uganda described their lives in Africa by the same means.

Principal of Friends Prep Cathy Aughey said the pupils had produced some 'excellent drawings' of their lives.

"We also had a special non-uniform Uganda Day where pupils came dressed in the three colours of the Ugandan flag and helped raise money," she added.

"We learned about Uganda and how children of similar ages live and play in that country.

"The children had a great time and also raised over �230 for Fields of Life to help them build schools and medical centres in Uganda."

The Friends competition winner was Jamie Cochrane (P6) with runners-up Rosie Henderson (P3) and Callum Maze (P1). Mrs. Aughey described the competition as 'very fierce' and the standards as "very high. "The Schools in Uganda are built by Fields of Life and over 98 per cent of every pound raised goes to the building of school facilities," she explained.

"The One Life project hopes to raise enough money to build medical centres attached to four schools in Uganda. Last year Gardencare dealers raised enough to build a school.

"It is a great way to raise money for children less fortunate than our own and provides an excellent way to learn about other countries. "It also shows what can be done when education, charity and business work successfully together."

Fields of Life was formed 10 years ago and has already built 40 schools.

Thousands of lives have been greatly improved b^y the provision of safe, sound school facilities that allow children to receive regular quality education.