How many children are out of school worldwide? Think of a number. One million? Ten?

In fact, it's equivalent to two times the entire population of the UK. That's a total of 125 million children who are denied the joy and inspiration of reading.

When I visited Mali with Oxfam, I met many children who don't have the means to pursue their dreams.

It's not enough for children to simply go to school they need to develop a wide range of skills and experience if they are to become doctors or scientists or indeed the next JK Rowling.

Let me tell you about Moussa who wants to be a doctor. An admirable attitude in a child that will go far, you might think.

Except that Moussa lives in Mali, West Africa. His school is an old chicken shed with classes of 80 pupils and no library or science equipment.

He has written to his country's president to ask for his help.

In poor countries, children are denied an education because their parents don't earn enough to pay school fees, such as the cost of books and pencils.

All too often governments can't afford to provide free primary education.

Either parents have to pay themselves, or their children are prevented from getting an education.

It's often the girls that miss out. Without an education, their children will probably always be poor.

The first step to securing a basic education for all is to abolish school fees.

Think of another number eleven.

I'm appealing to readers to send a simple e-action to Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Number 11, Downing Street.

Click on the Oxfam website www.oxfam.org.uk and go to the Education campaign page.

Supporters in Wiltshire can show their concern for children like Moussa by asking the Chancellor to increase the UK contribution to international aid particularly for education.

Johnny Ball

C/o Oxfam

Southwest Campaigns Office

Brunswick Court

Brunswick Square

Bristol BS2 8PE Tel: 0117 916 6474