TWO life-size huts showing people what it’s like to live in the world’s poorest areas will be in the city centre for the next month.

The huts recreate the family home of a Sierra Leonean mother, Miatta, and her eight-year-old daughter, Ayie.

One hut shows the family’s struggles 15 years ago and the other shows their living conditions following the work of the charity World Vision.

They moved into Bonn Square yesterday and will remain there until August 27.

Director of communications at World Vision UK, Steve Wood, said: “We are so excited for visitors in Oxford to experience first-hand what it’s like to live in some of the world’s hardest places.

“It can be an incredibly moving experience, as visitors try to lift the heavy can of dirty water children like little Ayie have to carry every day, and see the dangerous open fire – the only place the family have to cook.

“But it’s also a chance to see the difference World Vision’s work makes to some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children, and how we can all be part of the story of changing lives for the better.”

Local schoolchildren can also take part in some hands-on African drumming workshops.