News

A 27-strong team of volunteers, including Dungannon man and Rushmere Shopping Centre Manager Martin Walsh, has just returned home from a 14,000km round trip to Uganda as part of a major school-building project.

The 10-day trip was the second visit to the rural school which was build as part of Rushmere's commitment to building a school for more than 400 children, providing them with the facilities and equipment needed to help them build a brighter future for themselves and their family which making a sustainable and long term difference to the lives of these children.

With the foundations and structure now in place, additional facilities including a well, playground, sports field and on-site accommodation for the children have now also been built.

Dungannon man Martin has been heavily involved in the Uganda School's Project since the initiative was first formulated, donating over 200 volunteer hours and raising over £2,000 which, together with money raised in the shopping centre, was wisely spent on text books and teaching supplies.

Commenting on the project, Martin said: "I have been involved with the project since it began almost 18 months ago and have been overwhelmed at the generosity and support shown by all in the centre and across the wider community. The donations made and monies raised have gone a long way to making a huge difference to a small community.

"It is amazing how much has changed in a year - pupil numbers have increased from 400 to 520. Donations made facilitated the construction of a well, where the children, teachers and wider community can access clean fresh water whenever they need it, a playground sports field and on-site accommodation.

"The school is very much the centre upon which the entire community revolves. This was one of our main aims and I am thrilled to say it has been achieved."

The project was funded by Rushmere Shopping Centre, Centre staff and employees and has received thousands in donations from local shoppers and the wider community. The project has been delivered in conjunction with all-island charity Fields of Life.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: 28th July 2010