Catering & Technology Centre
In 2011 the government of Burundi changed its educational curriculum which would have seriously impacted the work of the Herridge Technical School. After considering the work we were already doing with the students in secondary education it became obvious that we should also be offering practical and technical opportunities for our students further to their theoretical studies. So it was we decided to open a Catering and Technology Centre to give our students the very best chance to compete in a modern work place.
In October 2012 we took a team of fitters out to the Herridge Technical School to complete the Technology Centre. Led by Leonard Harrison along with his grandson Matthew Harrison and a friend and work colleague Ian Fletcher, the team fitted out the IT suite, kitchens, shop as well as completing the flooring and decorating.
All the materials were sourced by Len from his contacts in and around Stoke on Trent. Companies were more than generous and despite troubles with customs at the Burundian border, which gave Georgette many sleepless nights, the kitchen, IT suite, tiling, painting, gas fitting and all the electrics were completed on time.
We at ACTS and all the students that pass through the Herridge Technical School owe Len, his team and all those companies who supported us through Len a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you. Your selflessness has given so much hope to some of this worlds poorest children and will continue to do so for many years to come.
May God bless you all.
The ovens produced bread for two years from 2013 to 2015 but sadly the project had to be put on hold due to a severe shortage of flour in the country. Also the excessive costs of imports made it too expensive to continue to bake as the finished loaves were far out of the price range for local people to afford. Today the ovens remain mothballed and ready to use as we would love to see them baking again. Sadly shortages and costs continue to plague Burundi and without guaranteed subsidy and a source of materials we have no choice other than to wait. However, students are learning valuable skills which will give them much better job opportunities as they strive to make a living in a country riven by poverty and shortages.
The Technology Centre has been operating since the winter term of 2012. Please see "Catering at Herridge" for more information.
If you feel that you would like to help please go to our donate pages or contact us .