Efforts by staff at Eaga to raise funds for a Childreach International school building project in Africa have been praised by International Development Minister Stephen O’Brien (pictured centre).

The FutureBuilding project was launched by green services provider Eaga and Childreach International to refurbish and re-build schools in Tanzania. Much of the funding for the five-year project has come from the Eaga Partnership Trust – a staff support service - but employees visiting the scheme later this year are also doing their bit to raise cash.

This has included a charity ball, raising just under £22,000, and a 10-mile fancy dress run to draw attention to the distances some children in Africa have to walk each day for water. Up to £100,000 has now been earmarked for extensive repairs to Lotima Primary School, near Kilimanjaro.

Staff from Eaga and Childreach International told Mr O’Brien how the school needs to be re-built to make it safe and fit for teaching. Using its experience in renewable energy Eaga also plans to install solar PV panels on the roof of the school to provide clean and sustainable power.

International Development Minister, Stephen O’Brien, said:

“The UK government is working hard to make British taxpayers’ money deliver better results for the world’s poorest people. That includes recognising and encouraging the role that private sector can play in development. The Eaga FutureBuilding project will help give hundreds of children in Tanzania an education helping to provide a route out of extreme poverty. It’s a fantastic example of a British business getting involved in development and making a lasting difference.”

During October and November 50 staff and future leaders from Eaga, including skilled engineers, electricians and plumbers, will work closely with community volunteers and tradesmen from Lotima. In a new development they will also be joined by 10 managers from Eaga business partners including ScottishPower, Wolseley, Cookson Electronics and Honeywell.”

Sam Robinson, Eaga’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: “The fact that other leading companies are now joining us is extremely exciting and testament to the growing success of the project. Indeed, it was recently named Best Overseas Project in the Business Charity Awards.”

Firoz Patel (pictured right), Childreach International’s CEO said “Our partnership with Eaga has been a genuine one, which has seen them support Childreach International projects in numerous ways, not only financially. Their technical and professional assistance reflects their staunch commitment to corporate social responsibility and international development, which has dramatically improved the lives of thousands of children who are now able to enjoy an education”.

Newcastle-based Eaga is at the forefront of the low carbon economy and one of Europe’s fastest growing green support services companies.

Find out more about our award winning Futurebuilding programme or contact fundraising@childreach.org.uk