Helping young people to explore and understand issues on poverty in Africa and around the world, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly have launched a school-friendly guide 'Our Common Interest: What does the Commission for Africa report say?' at Archbishop Tennison's School in Oval, London.

The School has been involved in the Global Campaign for Education's Send my Friend to School, representing and supporting around 100 million children currently missing out on an education. Colourful cut-out 'buddies' have been designed which will be given to the G8 leaders at the summer conference in Gleneagles.

The 'Our Common Interest: What does the Commission for Africa report say?' released on 25th May, coincided with the UN Africa Day and should provide a launch-pad for teaching that enables young people to learn about international development. It is hoped that this will empower them to become people who are willing and able to demand justice for people in poverty, and make poverty history.

"This simple guide is a welcome addition to the information available to schools to help teachers explain the key development issues of our time," expressed Oxfam's Development Education Program Manager, Angela Grunsell.

The lesson plans, case-studies and other educational materials associated with global poverty can be currently found on Oxfam's Cool Planet for Teachers website. In addition the Development Education Association will be also providing educational resources exploring the issues raised by the Commission's report through the site, which will be launched shortly.