A teacher is giving up part of her summer holidays to help build a refuge for vulnerable girls in poverty-stricken Moldova.


Kathy Walker, 47, who works at the The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre in High Road, Woodford Green, will spend two weeks in the eastern European country working on a home for young women who leave care at the age of 16.


The trip, organised by Christian charity Mission Direct, will also including assisting on further projects involving the elderly and orphans as part of a six-strong team with two supervisors.


Ms Walker, who also volunteers and worships at All Saints' Church in Woodford Green, said: “I really like helping others and have a real heart for the marginalised in society.


"I wanted to spend some of my summer feeling I was giving and helping people rather than just lying on a beach".


Ms Walker, of Kingsley Road in Loughton, is also hoping to help contribute towards the £10,000 Mission Direct is aiming raise towards the project.


She added: “I can’t wait to get out there and be part of a team who are committed in making a difference to the girls’ lives”.


The refuge aims to help train and support vulnerable teenagers, many without families, and help them find training and jobs to become independent.


It aims to help protect women from threats such as sex trafficking and prostitution.


Visit https://my.give.net/kathymoldovamission for more information and to sponsor Kathy.