A social action project with a difference

A continuation of an initiative started three years ago by David Cameron and Andrew Mitchell for MPs and PPCs to be involved in social action in the third world.

It was for a two week period where Pauline not only met with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, but also joined in one Saturday in what is called Umugando where everyone has to do some physical work. This time the group of Conservatives helped to dig a ditch and then fill it in with rocks to help with drainage. Following this the locals had to go to a huge hall and after singing listened to a lecture on HIV Aids and their health.

Whereas last year Pauline taught teachers to teach English as a foreign language, this year she was asked to teach primary school teachers to help them to teach all their classes in English.

“Both were challenging assignments for someone who is not a trained teacher”, said Pauline. “Although it was harder to do this time for various reasons, the groups bonded well and we all felt it was a worthwhile visit. For some teachers this was the first time they had heard English spoken by a native English speaker. I am still receiving emails from the friends I made both this year and last. They have such a difficult life it was very worthwhile going out and helping them”.

Photo: The group, lead by Andrew Mitchell MP, meet with President Kagame.