Norfolk teacher Cathy Burton runs a centre for the street children of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who call themselves Tiger Kids. She teaches them English and holds art and music workshops. Colleague and film-maker Jax Burgoyne joined her for the first time to make a film about the Tiger Kids and their lives. Jax has been detailing her time in Africa. Here we continue her diary.

Norwich Evening News: Jax BurgoyneJax Burgoyne (Image: Archant)

'There was no running water on Monday and we had been going to cook a stew with vegetables, lentils and split peas.

'Instead Cathy bought bananas, milk, cakes and biscuits.

'We're still reeling a little from when the Taitu, the oldest hotel in Ethiopia, burnt down.

'Cathy and I were about to have breakfast at KG Corner, which is next to the Taitu, when it caught fire.

'The manager of KG's – whose restaurant and room was also hit – told me today he is still coming to give the kids another acting lesson. The lesson he did last week was brilliant, and the kids have been looking forward to it.

'We are teaching the kids English, as a useful skill, but also want to give them some fun so we stayed up late on Tuesday night making Christmas decorations (in Ethiopia they celebrate Christmas on January 7).

'After a Christmas feast we danced. We had a Michael Jackson competition and the winner was so good I think he should be a professional.

'In addition to the party, the lessons have gone well.

'They have eagerly learned stationery, colours, the alphabet, and how to say 'can I have a...', not all perfectly, but they're working on it and they try to talk to us in English at every opportunity.'

To sponsor the Tiger Kids, visit http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/clothes-and-stuff-for-the-tiger-kids/288209#

Have you got a story to tell? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772684.