A former member of the chaplaincy team from a Colchester college is preparing to work with Aids orphans in Kenya.

Sister Helen Furness will work at a new primary school being set up in Kericho.

She will work with children whose parents have died from Aids and some youngsters who may have the condition themselves.

Before she starts at the school, Sister Helen, 58, will spend four months in Tanzania learning the Swahili language.

She said: "At the school I'm hoping to do some outreach work with the children, giving them counselling or just being their friend."

Initially, Sister Helen plans to be in Kenya for two years, but she may stay longer.

"I'm looking forward to it but I'm a bit apprehensive. Once I learn the language it'll be all right."

Before working at St Benedict's College in Colchester, Sister Helen, a member of the Institute of Mercy, previously worked in Kenya, near Lake Victoria.

She began her teaching career in a Catholic convent primary school in Stanford le Hope.

Seven years ago she came to the Priory Street convent in Colchester and volunteered her services for St Benedict's College.

Full of praise for her work, principal Alan Whelan said: "Her work has been varied and untiring, whether she is dealing with a student traumatised by personal circumstances or helping in the religious studies department."

In recent weeks local Catholic groups have raised almost £2,000, £430 of which has been raised by St Benedict's, for Sister Helen to take with her.

Anyone wanting to make donations towards the valuable work Sister Helen will be doing can contact the Sisters of Mercy at Priory Street on 01206 867296.

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