Bristol Team Builds Hope In Zambia

For Alan Barker, helping people get the right tools and equipment on site, on time is something he’s used to in his role as Human Resources manager at Brandon Tool Hire.

And it’s this experience of managing people as well as tools and equipment that Alan is hoping will prove beneficial when he heads off to Zambia on 9 June to help complete the building of a new home for children in the country’s capital city, Lusaka.

Alan first came across the project through Bristol Community Church (BCC) in Kingswood, which he regularly attends. Organised by Aid International, the charity arm of BCC, the aim is to send out a team of 12 volunteers who will work on the project for two weeks, which when complete will house up to 20 homeless children.

Part of an on-going project, the charity has already visited the city on five previous occasions which has resulted in the building of a first home, called Chimwemwe (meaning ‘Smiles’), that now looks after nine children.

Alan said: “It’s very humbling to be involved with this project. These young children, through no fault of their own, have to fend for themselves, living rough on the streets. Providing the simplest things, such as a secure environment where they can grow up, reaps huge rewards and gives them a better chance of surviving into adulthood.

“It’s amazing how many things we take for granted in the UK such as food, clothing and a warm safe place to sleep. To give these children an opportunity to grow up is hugely rewarding. I already sponsor one local child called Sam for £30 per month and to hear of his progress is amazing, so I’m looking forward to meeting him on my trip.”

Alan’s aim is to raise at least £2,500 in sponsorship, which not only funds the trip costs but also helps to pay for the building materials and maintenance of the two homes.

Alan added: “Brandon Tool Hire have already paid for half the air fare and given me an additional two weeks off work so I’m well on the way to achieving my goal. I hope many more people will help, be it through donations, football jerseys or even volunteering to come along!”

Part of the team is former Premiership referee, Bob Hamer who is director of fundraising for Aid International.

Bob said: “We’re so pleased Alan has agreed to come out to Zambia. So far we have five people confirmed for the trip so we’re looking for more people to come with us and get involved in what is a very rewarding project. Even if you’ve got no building experience it doesn’t matter. Last time we went out, my wife was digging trenches and loved every minute of it.

“And anyone who’s a football fan need not worry, as we’ll make sure there’s access to a television to watch England win the World Cup!”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Alan and Bob or even going on the trip can contact Bob Hamer, Aid International, Bourne Chapel, Waters Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8BE, T: 0117 947 6547. Aid International is part of Bristol Community Church Trust, registered charity no 1044496.