Welsh Government
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Pontypridd Uganda link helps students continue education in safety

The First Minister, Carwyn Jones has officially opened a new girls’ hostel at a school in Uganda, built thanks to funds raised by Pontypridd High School.

The High school is linked with Bubutu High School in Mbale through the Pontypridd based charity, PONT. Their Mbale school link project aims to raise pupil’s awareness of the world and learn about and respect one another’s cultural differences.

The hostel was built as a result of requests from girls at Bubutu High School who had to walk long distances to and from the school and feared attacks on their journey. The new dormitory, which is close to the school, will help ensure the girls’ safety, improve their education and reduce their travel.

The construction of the hostel was assisted by construction apprentices from Pontypridd High School and members of staff from the school. It will sleep up to 400 pupils, the first 200 of which will move in later this month.

Speaking at the official opening of the dormitory, the First Minister said:

“This hostel is a fantastic example of the benefits of the link between Pontypridd High School and Bubutu High School. Pupils from the school had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of working in Uganda, helping them to develop skills that will be invaluable in their future work, while this one simple change will allow these students in Mbale to continue with their education in safety.

“Those involved in the fun-raising for this hostel should feel very proud and know that their commitment will make a very positive difference to the lives of these girls.”

The First Minister met with students at Pontypridd High School before Christmas to collect a handmade plaque to present to Bubutu High School during his trip to Uganda. The plaque includes the names of all the partners who were involved in the fundraising.

Steve Jones, head of construction at Pontypridd High School said:

“It was a very unique effort from everyone involved, from the sponsors to the team who went out to Mbale - the whole experience was very rewarding for all of us. The construction students did Pontypridd High School proud as well as their families and community.

“The team were able to share their skills with members of the local community and handed over their tools and equipment to the locals for future projects. I think we all came back a lot richer from this experience and hope to plan a future overseas project with our committed construction pupils. I can confidently speak on behalf of us all to say we were all very proud to be part of Project Team Africa and to be builders without borders!”

The First Minister is in Uganda on a series of visits to see the impact Welsh projects, supported by the Welsh Govenrment’s Wales for Africa programme, are having on the lives of individuals and families living there.

The Wales for Africa programme has supported 138 community links with almost 300 development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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