Aid agency Christian Aid have launched their new charity gifts range for those who want to do some good with their presents this Christmas.

All teachers know that children are the future of any country's success. It is no different for African children. Their education is key to future economic growth and lasting democracy, leading to greater stability and improved standards of living. The current state of education in Africa, however, is plagued by a lack of funds, teachers, textbooks, and equipment.

In truth, what gives teachers the most pleasure is seeing their children learn. That's why ethical, charity gifts work so well and have become so popular in recent years.

Why not buy your teacher an ethical gift this summer and invest in the future of a poor country at the same time? Currently, 45 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa don’t get the chance to go to school. Primary school enrollments and literacy rates in Africa are among the lowest in the world. Many children cannot afford to go to or stay in primary school.

The best charity gifts help develop the independence and sustainability of struggling economies. In the hands of local people, a small business can be a powerful weapon in the fight against poverty.

Even when the law is not a direct disadvantage to them, it often fails to ensure basic human rights for women.

If a country cannot educate or medicate its people, it doesn’t have much chance of putting an end to poverty. Whilst it is important for countries to receive aid for the building of these facilities, there is another short-term solution.

Few recognise how important play can be – particularly a team sport such as football. This has all changed since the major charities set up charity gift schemes.

World Vision, one of the world's leading relief and development agencies, has supplied 100 desks to the Kintampo South District Directorate Education Service in Ghana.

When people sponsor a child through World Vision, or give charity gifts through their virtual gift scheme, they are helping to develop the sustainability of a whole community, leading to a safe and healthy environment for children and adults alike.