Emily John has fundraised for the nursery

Emily John, 24, is back in her home town of Neath, after spending six months helping the centre in the tiny village of Banjongkoto.

She had previously spent three years raising the �3,000 needed to build the nursery named the Emily Methodist Nursery school in her honour.

And she has already spoken of her determination to return to the country she has visited three times.

"I can't wait t o go back and see how they're all doing," said Emily, who returns to her old job at Bryn Catwg Primary School next week.

"Everyone was so friendly, and made me feel part of the family."

At first they were teaching in rows off the blackboard and I showed them how to put the children in groups around tables Emily John

"They were willing to learn from me as I was willing to learn from them."

Thirty children aged between three and seven attend the nursery which was formally opened and dedicated in June.

At first there was just one classroom in use, but as numbers grow they are planning to open a second.

Emily has helped to initiate quite a few changes in the teaching methods.

"At first they were teaching in rows off the blackboard and I showed them how to put the children in groups around tables," she said.

"And the younger ones did not have colouring books. I tried to show them that every child needed to colour."

Already much progress has been made and the teachers are now going for training in a nearby town.

Emily spent six months helping the school

Emily first visited the community with friends from Penny Brook Methodist Church in 1999.

It was then she decided to start the fundraising challenge to help build the nursery and enlisted the support of her parents David and Lynette, and sisters Rachel and Amy.

Neath Rugby Club donated a signed shirt for an auction, while a local supermarket held an African- themed fun day and Emily's mother wrote her own cook book to sell to friends.

Supplies of books, pencils and other materials were all shipped out to the African village.

Now fundraising by Emily will continue for the project but the nursery school is also learning how to become more self-sufficient.

"They already make palm crosses for the church - but we are thinking of other ways to keep the nursery going."