British minister jets in for voluntary service

The UK International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, yesterday, arrived in the country to join fellow Conservative Party members on their annual Project Umubano activities. Mitchell will, today, open a new medical centre built with the support of the project.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011
UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell is in the country to participate in the Conservatives' Umubano Project The New Times/ John Mbanda.

The UK International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, yesterday, arrived in the country to join fellow Conservative Party members on their annual Project Umubano activities.

Mitchell will, today, open a new medical centre built with the support of the project.

The Minister is in the country in a voluntary capacity, working alongside other Conservatives on various projects across the country.

"Today morning, he will open a new medical outpost in Huye District, which will allow thousands of people better access to medical treatment. The centre was built with the help of cash raised by Umubano volunteers,” the groups’ spokesperson said.

"Project Umubano Leader, Stephen Crabb MP and founder of the APIE charity in Rwanda, Brooks Newmark MP, will also attend the opening ceremony,” she added.

Crabb and a team of other Conservative volunteers have been in the country for the past week carrying out various activities.

Mitchell, who has previously headed  the Umubano Project, is also expected to grace the opening of Girubuntu Primary School in Kabeza, Kigali, built with support from the Conservative volunteers.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Umubano volunteers joined Prime Minister Bernard Makuza for a football match.

Christopher Gowan and Stephen Connolly joined the Premier after holding a meeting with officials at the FERWAFA Academy.

The pair said that it had been a real honour to join the Prime Minister for the Sunday morning match.

Gowan and Connolly are part of the Conservatives’ Project Umubano, which is travelling around the country coaching soccer to children and donating sports kits.

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