A HUMANITARIAN charity is fundraising to build a new treatment centre for disabled children in West Africa.
The Swindon branch of charity Future in Our Hands Education and Development Fund is appealing for the public’s help in raising £9,000 for the new centre in Bafoussam, Cameroon.
A new treatment centre will provide a home for Global Rehabilitation Services (GLORES) to change the lives of disabled children. Despite limited income, the non-profit organisation has helped more than 1500 children in Cameroon and Western Africa.
GLORES aims to prevent disability in children and support them with education and training.
Led by Dr Albert Wingo, along with a small team of Dutch volunteer doctors, GLORES performs life changing operations to reconstruct children’s limbs and provide rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Future in Our Hands has already raised more than £16,000 for the new centre which will include large dormitories and an orthopaedic workshop.
Charity chairman, Alan Stewart from Stratton said the charity was determined to help in any way they can.
“We have been helping this project with a major contribution of local labour from concerned parents who have already established the foundations with building blocks baked in the sun. We need around £9,000 to complete and equip this centre,” he said.
“We believe the future is in our control. We put women first, children first, the environment first. Mike Thomas, who used to be chairman of our charity spearheaded the work that we have done in Cameroon and we are determined to get this centre built as soon as possible.”
It was during a 2008 trip to Cameroon that former teacher Alan witnessed the effects of malnutrition on children and first met Dr Wingo.
“It was so distressing seeing children everywhere with disabilities, many had bowed legs due to rickets and it was harrowing to see. It made you realise how different life can be,” he said.
“Over there children can be discriminated against, and there is a belief that it’s due to something the children have done wrong, which we all know is nonsense. Something can be done and this will enable Dr Wingo to help more children change their lives.
“The work that Dr Wingo does is extraordinary, he is not only improving childrens’ lives but he is doing it with such a small team of volunteers. That is why we wanted to help.
“I know from being over there, something as small as £10 really does make a difference, I’ve seen it. £10 can change someone’s life completely.”
Future in Our Hands has worked with Non-Governmental Organisations in Cameroon for more than 20 years, which means the charity can guarantee all contributions will directly benefit disadvantaged children.
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