An enthusiastic team of 29 volunteers have built four houses in six days.
The group, which consisted of 19 from Aberdeen, set off to a small town in Kenya and helped build the houses for four families in need. Working at 2,400m above sea level in Iten, the town which is famously known as the ‘home of champions’ due it it’s athletics success, the team completed the houses two days ahead of schedule.
Every year, the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) facilitates building trips which unite a group of volunteers from different parts of the world. This year they came from the UK, Australia, Brazil and Israel.
The building was overseen by Darren Cocker from Bancon Homes. He said: "It's amazing to see a team of volunteers become house builders in less than a week."
“We’re incredibly proud and grateful to all the volunteers from Kenya and abroad for transforming the lives of these four families," added GEF founder Myles Edwards. "Living in the forest or by the road side is now a thing of the past thanks to them. The team came together in a special way and their efforts will last a life time. The way that Stewart Milne Timber Systems and Bancon Homes worked together in the planning and execution of the project was also very inspiring.”
Volunteer Kevin Farley from Stewart Milne Homes said: “I had a brilliant time in Kenya the last two weeks. I met some friends for life and changed the lives of four families. Seeing their smiles was better than any wage I've had. I owe thanks to everyone that made my trip amazing, I'll be back again I'm sure."
For more information about the Gathimba Edwards Foundation house building trips visit http://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/volunteer-building-trip/