Bakewell-based Village Aid will use the money for their Growing Global scheme, which aimed to teach children about African children and dispel myths about poverty.

Drama education coordinator Helen Hunter said travelling to schools, and using entertaining teaching methods, was vital if children were to understand the complex issues involved.

Helen said: "Growing Global will look at the ways schoolchildren's lives are connected to their peers in Africa, such as going to schools, living with family and friends.

"But we also want to highlight the differences and the things we often take for granted, such as good living conditions, health care, education and having constant access to food and water," she added.

The money came from the government's Development Awareness Fund, which was set up in 1998 to increase knowledge of development issues.

One of the schools set to benefit from the project was Taddington and Priestcliffe CE Primary School.

Pupils Kirsty Johnson, 11, said: "I'm looking forward to learning how much their lives are different to ours."

International development secretary Douglas Alexander said the funding
was the latest step in a government drive to involve British people from all backgrounds in tackling poverty.

Mr Alexander said: "We trade more and more with people from all over the world so it is important that we understand how our actions and choices affect the lives of others and how we can make a difference.

"These projects will engage and harness the enthusiasm and knowledge of young people into helping alleviate the grinding poverty that affects millions throughout the world," he added.