An Oxford aid worker is helping people in one of the world's poorest countries find a better life -- by setting up a school teaching practical skills.

Missionary workers Aaron and Sarah Beecher with their children Joseph, three, and Callum, nine months

Aaron Beecher, from Headington, has set up the technical school in Mozambique which offers training in furniture making and business skills so that people can set up their own businesses.

Mr Beecher, 32, lives with his wife Sarah, 29, and two sons, Joseph, three, and Callum, nine months, in Mozambique -- classified by the United Nations as one of the world's 49 least developed countries.

Mr Beecher, a former Cherwell School pupil, who works for the Maforga Christian Mission, said: "Years of war have left very few people in their 40s and 50s to pass skills on to the younger generation, so we are aiming to bridge that gap."

Mrs Beecher, originally from Devon, works in the mission's orphanage -- which cares for children, including newborn babies, whose parents have died of Aids related illnesses.

The mission also provides care and education to babies, children and young people aged up to 30. A primary school for 400 children from the orphanage and surrounding villages is also provided. The mission is supported by UK churches and funded by donations.

For details email aaronsarahbeecher- @yahoo.co.uk.