Leading international development charity Oxfam has pledged to send its workers out across the country, to teach school children about global poverty.

The move comes as part of a nationwide campaign launched by the charity, which aims to educate youngster about global issues and then encourage them to take positive action to remedy these problems.

A variety of subjects, including health, education, the Millennium Development goals and Oxfam’s work, will be covered in a series of interactive workshops and presentations for young people, aged between eight and 18.

“The big global issues of today can seem distant and disempowering, but they affect all of our lives and we really can do something about them,” Oxfam’s head of education, Gillian Temple, commented.

“Oxfam school speakers are fully trained to deliver sessions that are educational as well as inspirational.

“What’s more, our speakers will help teachers find the support they need to make the most of their pupils’ interest in the issues and build teachers’ confidence in tackling these topics themselves.”

The speakers vary in age from just 17 to 70 - and include former artists, teachers, students and authors.