Page 37 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • April 2008 37
African education for Swindon councillor Riddler’s Cottage Flowers

Old Shaw Lane, West Swindon
In just over a year, Ethiopia has become a second home to West Swindon councillor Garry Perkins who just over a year, Ethiopia has become a second home to West Swindon councillor Garry Perkins who
In
fell in love with the country after taking up an invitation to learn more about their education system. Fresh fl owers for every occasion -
small amounts could keep them in
Since his fi rst visit in March 2007 rote learning, with children sitting small amounts could keep them in weddings, birthdays, anniversaries,
pens and pencils: hopefully I can
he has returned on six times, set- on benches facing the teacher. pens and pencils: hopefully I can or just to say ‘I love you.’
ting up a business and becoming Garry has become passionate make a difference.” Call Lesley Dredge on 772869
involved with an orphanage. The about the country which does not He would like to become in- or 07743 504415
He would like to become in-
volved at a broader level in educa-
Swindon Council cabinet member live up to television images of fam- volved at a broader level in educa-
tion in Ethiopia and hopes to ar-
for Children Services says there is ine and scorched earth. Almost 90 tion in Ethiopia and hopes to ar- PILATES
range a meeting with the Ethiopian
much to be learned from Ethiopia per cent of the country is green and range a meeting with the Ethiopian
Total Lifestyle Coaching
Minister for Education on his next
where the school system is remi- fertile and exports include coffee, Minister for Education on his next A slow controlled exercise programme to
A slow controlled exercise programme to
niscent of the situation in the UK fl owers and beef. Now undergoing visit in July. improve posture, strength, fl exibility and
mobility; reduces stress and tension.
For more information and/
in the 1950s. an industrial revolution, he says the For more information and/
Wyvern Theatre - Thursday Lunchtime
or to offer money to support the
country, known as the or to offer money to support the 12.10pm & 1.10pm (40min classes)
Purton-Silverthreads Hall – Thursday 6.30pm & 7.45pm
birthplace of mankind, orphanage or donate educational Purton-Silverthreads Hall – Thursday 6.30pm & 7.45pm
orphanage or donate educational
Class numbers limited to ensure individual
could take the lead in the materials, mail: ecp@swindon1.
materials, mail: ecp@swindon1.
support. To arrange for a FREE TASTER,
fsnet.co.uk
fsnet.co.uk
development of Africa. fsnet.co.uk call SHAUNA on 01793 752353.
China is investing
China is investing
heavily in the country L. J. TILING
heavily in the country
to secure raw material
resources, there is a mas- Professional, experienced tiler.
sive programme of road Specialist in all aspects of the trade. ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC

building and develop- TILING TILING • walls and fl oors • kitchens Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder
ment of industrial es- • bathrooms • conservatories Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs

Call Leon for a free,
tates. Garry immediately no obligation quote on: We collect and deliver over a wide area
saw there was a shortage 01793 524147 or 07919 255673 T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758

of engineering and infra- PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ
structure maintenance
back up. As the owner PRIMARY COLOURS PS PAINTING &
Children in the orphanage supported by Garry of an electrical engineer-
He was invited to see the coun- ing company in Swindon, he has Painting & Decorating DECORATING
Services
try’s schools after a chance meeting started up a business in Ethiopia to • Internal & external work
with an Ethiopian ex-pat whilst make electrical control equipment • Competitive rates No job too small • Free estimates
visiting his son in Dubai. Having in local factories. • Professional and reliable Also general maintenance
heard about the excellent stan- Garry has also become involved Tel: 01793 828547 Call Phil on 724541
dards of education in Ethiopia, with an orphanage in the capital Mobile: 07736 847597 Mobile: 07790 102280
Garry seized the opportunity to Addis Ababa which cares for 140
see for himself. He was struck by children, and recently paid to re-
the value placed on education and place the building’s tin roof, but is
the children’s willingness to learn, planning to rebuild it entirely. He Paradise Pets Ltd
even though their schools are short said, “I felt that in my position, I had
of resources. Teaching is often by to do something to help. Relatively
Your local pet store supplying top quality pets.
Gambia collection continues Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, Wiltshire’s
pet store.
Former Westlea Primary School headteacher Neil Griffi ths is appealing gerbils, reptiles and lots more. largest specialist

for books, pencils, crayons and money for pre-schools in the Gambian Food and accessories for all your pets Visit us soon
town of Gunjur.
Neil Griffi ths, now a children’s author and an education consultant Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon
promoting Story Sacks worldwide, has made a ten year commitment to
work with pre-schools in the town and help with teacher training. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mon - Fri: 9am-5pm; Sat: 10am-5pm
He is sending a container of educational supplies in June and will be Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30am-4pm
returning to Gambia with money to improve education. For example £25
pays for one child’s education for a year, £10 pays for 150 dinners. Tel: 01793 512400
See Neil’s Project Gambia wish list at www.cornertolearn.co.uk or call www.paradisepetsswindon.co.uk
Corner to Learn on 421168 to make a donation.

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