Building for the future in Africa (From Warrington Guardian)

Building for the future in Africa

A WINSFORD fire cadet has returned home after a trip to help build a school in a poverty stricken area of Africa.

Daniel Flecther, 16, travelled to Akrofu in the Volta region of Ghana with 12 other fire cadets from across Cheshire and spent two weeks building the school.

Kevin Kelly, Cheshire Fire youth development officer, said: "We were all overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome in the village and were left in no doubt about the importance of this project for the people of Akrofu.

"We wanted to make our cadets aware of how fortunate they are, and how much they take for granted in their lifestyle compared to African people of a similar age."

The project has been co-ordinated by the charity Ghana Outlook in conjunction with the Rotary International in Ghana.

The fire cadets raised the money for the building materials through a number of fundraising events before visiting Akrofu in July to help with the construction of the school.

Challenge

Officer Kelly said: "Apart from building a school, the objective of the Ghana visit was to provide a personal challenge for our senior cadets and to raise their awareness of cultural diversity.

"Village and tribal chiefs, Ghanaian Government ministers and members of the Ghanaian National Fire Service all attended the opening celebration and shared in the atmosphere of the day.

"We are still fundraising to complete the school project and would welcome any contributions."

Anyone who would like to make a donation can call Kevin Kelly on 01244 342449.