The TESUNICEF Children Helping Children appeal topped pound;100,000 this week - earning heartfelt thanks from teachers in Afghanistan who have benefited from your generosity.

Pupils at more than 200 schools in the UK have held money-raising events to help push the fund past the six-figure landmark.

They have answered the call to help their counterparts in Afghanistan with sponsored runs and swims, making and baking, and performing and playing.

Primary teacher Nadjia - like many Afghans she only has one name - said:

“When teachers all over the world are looking after these poor people in Afghanistan and helping rebuild the system, it makes me very happy.”

Aburahim, 38, head of Kabelbui middle school, Kabul, said: “We are so thankful to all peace-loving people who are enabling us to help ourselves become scholars and good citizens.”

Nadjia works at a tented school on the Shomali plains north of Kabul. She has not been paid for three months but was delighted to hear her pupils had not been forgotten. “This appeal is wonderful.”

Ted Wragg, professor of education at Exeter University and founder of the appeal, said: “This is brilliant. It’s a marvellous achievement but we need more money to make sure as many children as possible in Afghanistan get all the help we can give them.”