Afrinspire

Afrinspire is supporting a community trying to set up a workshop for trainee carpenters...

A carpentry workshop has been set up by Revd Canon Guster Bashaija at Rwancereere Archdeaconry in Kigezi Diocese of south west Uganda. Rwancereere is a remote rural area located right on the Uganda/Rwanda border in mountains 7000 feet above sea level. It is 18 miles from the nearest tarmac road and nearest electricity.

A skilled carpenter, Tulohoze Edward, has been attracted. Edward was trained by his father who in turn was trained by Europeans. He is training 2 apprentices and would train more if they had more tools to share. Other carpenters from the region make journeys to seek the advice of this carpenter. The last time there was a man of such skill in the area was in 1994 and this was a Rwandan refugee who has since returned to Rwanda. The main outputs at the moment are windows and doors, beds, table and chair sets. The people on the surrounding hillside have a large quantity of work.

Roofing sheets have been provided for a Carpenters Workshop which will improve on the temporary workplace under an UNHCR awning. Tools are needed so that more apprentices can be trained. Some of these are being provided by Tools With A Mission. Money is needed to sponsor the shipment of tools and also for buying tools which are readily available in Uganda.

The Rwancereere community in Uganda began its link with Cambridgeshire in 1993 when Canon Guster Bashaija visited Histon and Impington. A series of visits between the communities have taken place. The relationship with many other people and organisations in Uganda has arisen from these visits and this has helped bring AFRINSPIRE into existence as a UK charity responding to the needs in Africa. Afrinspire continues to support key individuals such as Guster who have a track record of service in their communities. Afrinspire also listens to the needs and aspirations of these communities and supports at the pace the community can progress.