"I've encouraged my community to send their children - girls and boys – to school. I'm on the school committee of Musurmuny B pre-school and every one of our children from the homestead, even the little ones, is in education now."

He's especially passionate about the education of his daughter, seven-year-old Nosim: "I want my daughter to have the independence to be married or not. I want her to be self-reliant. I have four sons – Nosim is my only girl. As her father, I am here to help her achieve as much as she can."

When Naserian Primary School opened in January 2006, Laurence and Nolmaai were among the first parents at enrolment day. In the same class as Lempuris, Nosim has just finished her first year there. "This school is fuelling Nosim's knowledge. She was always bright. At Musurmuny B pre-school, she was one of the best pupils. But this new school is helping her to soar," says Laurence. Nosim scored an average of 86 per cent in her end of year exams.

"She's self-confident, not scared to ask us questions about anything and everything. And at night you'll always find her with her school books."

"Education is helping parents to see their children differently," Laurence explains as he takes his daughter's hand. "Men will sell a cow, a goat to pay for school fees.We know how important it is."

Laurence ended with a promise: "when you next come back to visit us, you will find even more changes.We have moved so fast in such a short time. Malambo is going forward."

Nolmaai, Nosim's mother adds: "When I think about all that Oxfam has done for Malambo, and my family, I'm overwhelmed. I can't express how much this all means."

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