5:47pm Tuesday 3rd July 2007
By Eric Randolph
A BOURNEMOUTH MP is leading a team of politicians as they set out on an aid mission to Rwanda.
Project Umubano aims to transform a small community near Kigali that was devastated by the 1994 genocide into a vibrant centre for education.
The scheme will centre on the Girubuntu orphanage which looks after over 100 children, many of whom have lost their parents to genocide or HIV/AIDS.
The team of politicians and parliamentary workers, led by Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, will update classrooms, build a playground and community area, improve accommodation and install proper sanitation and a new kitchen.
It's part of a wider Tory initiative in the country, being overseen by leader David Cameron, sending teams to advise health service, education and government officials.
"The idea is to get MPs not simply to talk about issues but to get involved directly in creating solutions," said Mr Ellwood.
"Africa faces so many challenges, and one of the consequences of the genocide in the mid-1990s is the huge number of orphans living in awful conditions. We want to leave something that will create long-lasting change and allow the community to help themselves."
Mr Ellwood's team needs to raise £10,000 to complete the project. They got a huge boost when conservationist Adam Murry who chairs the Bournemouth-based Murry Foundation, donated half the amount.
"That is an amazing donation from Mr Murry, and puts us well on course to getting the full amount."
Anyone who can help with donations is asked to contact Mr Ellwood's parliamentary office on 0207 2193596 or ellwoodt@parliament.uk.
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