Helping Ugandan school was '˜fantastic experience' says Worthing man

Norman Rayner with some of the children in Masindi

Travelling with The Children of Masindi, a Bristol-based charity, Norman helped to finish off the refurbishment to the head teacher’s office at Kamurasi Demonstration School.

The trip was celebrating the charity’s ten-year-anniversary and it was supported by Pickerings Lifts’ south coast office in Burgess Hill, where Norman is assistant customer support manager.

Colleagues held a dress-down charity day, donating clothes, medicine and toys for Norman to take on the plane, as well as raising £280.

Norman, who lives in Worthing, said: “The trip was a fantastic experience and one I will never forget.

“The money raised was used to purchase many items that the school were in desperate need for and all the gifts for the children, their families and school staff were received with massive smiles and hugs.

“I’m looking forward to revisiting the school in the next few years and seeing everybody again.”

Masindi is a town in north-west Uganda and the charity was established in 2008 to support the school, including visits every year to take vital supplies, organise vocational training and help with school improvements.

The money Pickering Lifts raised was used to help buy a 10,000 litre water tank, which was connected to the hostel building where 51 disabled pupils board. Before the tank was plumbed in, these children had to cross a busy road and large school field to collect water from a nearby bore hole.

Karen Edwards, trustee at Children of Masindi, said: “During our week in Masindi, one of the things Norman was involved in was helping finish off the refurbishment to the head teacher’s office.

“Lillian, the head of the Kamurasi Demonstration School, was over the moon with her new office, which was no long exposed to the elements.

“It was a very successful trip and we are thankful to Norman and all of his co-workers for their kind and wonderful generosity.”

For more information about the Children of Masindi charity and to donate, visit www.childrenofmasindi.org

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