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April 25, 2012
Life-changing experiences leave lasting legacy

Staff at Crewe based housing provider, Wulvern have helped build a teaching facility at a Ugandan University in a skills exchange which has so far positively impacted on thousands of students and hundreds of apprentices, delivering life-changing experiences.

The One Brick at a Time project is an international partnership led by Chester and District Housing Trust offering exciting opportunities in the Rwenzori region of Uganda for those skilled in roofing, bricklaying, plastering and electrics to work alongside Ugandan construction trainees, graduates and teachers.

Tradesmen Russell Tagg and Lyndon Clarke are the first two members of staff who have utilised their construction skills to work in partnership with schools, using locally sourced materials and appropriate technologies to refurbish educational facilities creating inspiring, clean and safe learning environments.  Four other colleagues will follow later in the year.

The One Brick at A Time initiative, which began in 2010, has now seen seven teams of colleagues from across the North West travel to Fort Portal in Western Uganda, an area which was damaged by an earthquake in the 90’s.  The programme of work has helped to renovate buildings across all levels of education, renovating 27 classrooms at Primary Schools, where previously some orphaned children were forced to sleep in the same space as where they learnt.

Lyndon said: “This wasn’t just about using our trade skills, building a rapport with the students played a massive part which has had a positive impact on us personally.  One of the trainees struggled with his English and consequently was very quiet.  I’m proud to say that he was soon saying “Hello Lyndon” – to everyone!  Taking part in the project has boosted my confidence no end.”

Russ adds:  “We’d love to go back but if that’s not possible the experience and the changes it’s made will be with us for a lifetime.”