08 March 2010
Gareth Thomas, International Development Minister, visited Pontypridd Museum today to launch new support for community groups forging links with communities in the world’s poorest countries.
The Global Community Links programme, funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by the British Council, will offer workshops and grants to community groups such as scout troops, Women’s Institutes and church groups who have forged links with developing countries.
The Minister also met representatives from the Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust (PONT) who have been working to help reduce poverty in Mbale, Uganda by linking Pontypridd schools and hospitals with those in Uganda.
PONT, which is supported by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, has resulted in some notable benefits for Mbale, including:
Gareth Thomas said:
“The link between Pontypridd and Mbale is a fantastic example of what a link between a UK community and the developing world can achieve.
“Not only have the people of Pontypridd helped to make a real difference in the lives of the Mbale people, they have also spread awareness to their local community of what poverty really means to some of the world’s poorest people.”
After visiting the museum the Minister travelled to Pontypridd High School, whose students have been writing letters to Mbale schoolchildren, taking part in fundraising and helping to fund two new classroom blocks in Mbale.
Jayne Bescher, Head of Global Citizenship at Pontypridd High School, said:
“PONT has been a life-changing experience for all the children and teachers involved, both in Uganda and Pontypridd. Supporting friends and studying each other’s lives gives them a real understanding of the wider world and the difficulties encountered by those in developing areas.
“The children of Pontypridd High School truly understand the meaning of being citizens of a global village.”
For further information please contact Robert Gage, COI News and PR Wales on 0300 123 1008.
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