Three apprentices from Glasgow construction firm City Building will travel to Malawi in September to carry out vital maintenance work at a community health clinic, supporting the Lord Provost’s charitable work in the country.
Phoebe Ali (19), Cameron Moir (20) and Craig Butler (19), who are all in the third-year of their apprenticeships, will join a team of City Building tradespeople volunteering in the capital, Lliongwe. They will contribute to important regeneration work, including the installation of new plumbing and electrical systems for a purpose-built prosthetics and orthotics clinic. As well as the upgrade of a residential facility for children with cerebral palsy.
City Building built the clinic at Kamuzu District Hospital back in 2010. Since then more than 10,000 patients have been treated and offered life-changing rehabilitation. During the fortnight the team will give the clinic a make-over, refresh the interiors and fit new furniture. The materials required, including electrical materials, joinery tools, painting supplies, PPE and air conditioning units, will be shipped ahead in May.
Phoebe, Cameron and Craig were selected from a group of around 30 apprentices who all underwent a rigorous interview process.
Glasgow City Council has been helping the people of Malawi since 2004, alongside organisations here in Glasgow, and in Malawi. Principally providing IT equipment and training to staff in schools and colleges.
Dr Graham Paterson, executive director at City Building said: “I’m thrilled City Building is heading back to Malawi. Staff first made the journey in 2007 to build an AIDS testing facility. I’m proud to say, our apprentices have always featured on these trips.
“We’ve visited four times in total, carrying out vital building and restoration work at a variety of health clinics. It’s a truly a rewarding experience and one, I’m sure, Phoebe, Cameron and Craig will remember for the rest of their lives.”
City Building staff are organizing a series of fundraising events to support the trip including a charity cycle and a five-a-side football tournament. Meanwhile the Lord Provost, Councillor Eva Bolander will host a charity lunch at the City Chambers to raise money for her international work in Malawi.
The Lord Provost said: “City Building’s commitment and contribution to the welfare of the people of Malawi is hugely appreciated. The work they do makes such a positive difference, improving the quality of life and opportunities available to some of the planet’s poorest people.”
