Kariandusi School Trust is well known in Suffolk thanks to the ongoing support from Dragoman Overland, who are based in Debenham. Many of the trustees and fundraisers also live in Suffolk.

However, there is now a new organisation blossoming in Debenham. A group of friends from Debenham High School got together and decided that they wanted to use their time and energy to do some good for others. They formed a group, calling it 'Friends in Deed'. Annie Owen, a Kariandusi School Trust Trustee, was invited to talk to them about the children and schools in Kenya that are being built and supported by the Kariandusi School Trust. 'Friends in Deed' very kindly agreed to commit to supporting them for a whole year, and began to plan fundraising events.

First they made Mother's Day gifts and cards and sold them around the town. The monies made from this were cleverly reinvested in making an Italian meal which raised a wonderful £290. Not satisfied with that, these talented and committed young people decided on a major fundraising event in the town - a 24 hour non-stop Musicathon!

This event took place in the St Mary Magdalen Church in Debenham, and began with a walk to the church carrying the Friends in Deed banner and playing trumpet and African drum... they were hard to ignore and raised a lot of interest. The Musicathon itself began at 9.30 am on Saturday 4 July and continued until 9.30 am on Sunday 5th. Each participant was allotted a half hour slot, and played to whoever was there for the full 24 hours. Some sang, some played instruments - flute, guitar, trumpet, violin, cello... and more. The youngest performer was George Moncks-Mason, aged 4, the oldest was Peter Haas of a less certain age! Most participants were the dedicated youth of Debenham who were a credit to the town.

Although many heartfelt thanks go to every single participant and helper that made this extraordinary event such a success, the main performers were: Richard Branch, Joe Eddy, Katie Harling-Challis, James Payne, Jessica Payne, Julia Payne, Sarah Reade, Ben Soames, Narjiss Seffar, Emily Seffar and Naomi Taylor.

They say of the event "We and many of our friends played or sang non-stop. It was an exhausting but exciting time. We are still collecting sponsor money but we hope to raise in excess of £500".

The money raised from this amazing event and all of the activities that Friends in Deed are organising this year. will go towards the next Kariandusi School Trust project, Karunga Primary School. The Debenham teenagers make a great connection between the youth of Debenham, and the youth of Karunga in Kenya. Just before the Musicathon, Friends in Deed received a message of encouragement from some of the Kenyan students. Louise Nduta wrote 'You care about us so much. Continue with that spirit of making it possible for us to fulfil our visions and abitions'. Emily Nyambura wrote 'May victory and success be with you for your love for Kenyan children. May you have a bright future for making a better place for us to live'.

Far from the much publicised view that today's young people are a problem, the young people of Debenham have impressed us all with their imagination, energy, talent and dedication. They have also inspired the young people in Kenya who are especially interested in their contemporaries here in the UK. All in all, an amazing achievement. Well done Friends in Deed! And thank you from us all.

You can visit the Friends in Deed website on www.friendsindeed.org.uk.