MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In 2007, working in conjunction with Plan Ireland we committed to financing the construction of two schools in Guinea Bissau at a cost of €50,000.

Plan Ireland has been present in Guinea Bissau since 1995, and currently works in the Bafata and Gabu regions in the areas of education, basic health care, water and sanitation, and children rights. It works at a grassroots level to build a community's capacities so that children can grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Communities approach them with a list of needs and make a request for support. Plan's response is based on the community's priorities, community level of preparedness and commitment and availability of funds.

Guinea Bissau is a former Portuguese colony located in West Africa. It became independent in 1974 after a protracted liberation struggle. Armed conflict broke out again in 1998 resulting in widespread destruction of an already inadequate infrastructure. Unfortunately children have been the voiceless victims of the civil war. Their education, health, nutrition and psychosocial growth have suffered tremendously.

The objective of the project was to improve access to education in two communities by constructing one school of three classrooms in Gã-Mamudo community (district of Ganadu), and one school of four classrooms in Contuboel community (district of Contuboel). Latrines were also constructed with segregation for boys and girls. As part of Plan's gender policy, communities are encouraged to ensure that at least 50%, if not more, of school places are reserved for girls. Girls are more likely to attend school if there are adequate sanitation facilities.

The schools are now complete and through the World Food Programme, school lunches will also be provided as an extra incentive for girls to attend. The community contributed the land, and both men and women were involved in the construction; from collecting the water to providing unskilled labourers, to housing the construction workers. It was truly is a community effort.

I am very mindful of the quote, "give them a fish, you feed them for a day; show them how to fish, you feed them for a lifetime."

I believe education is the ticket to get these people and their communities out of the poverty cycle. It is thrilling to deliver "fishing equipment" to over seven hundred students.

Furthermore I believe we have delivered great value for money for our donors, thanks to Plan Ireland.

We are now in the process of looking at other projects in Guinea Bissau in association with Plan.

Overall, regardless of the times in which we live, I believe it is our moral imperative to make a difference in this world and reach out to the needy.

For a nominal amount, you can change a child's/community's life in Africa

Make that choice - when you give out, you will get back; this I guarantee.