Trade Aid is a small UK registered charity that helps to alleviate poverty in Tanzania through the creation of sustainable employment. They do so largely by providing improved educational opportunities – from primary education through to vocational training and education in management and financial skills.

Trade Aid have focused their work around the town of Mikindani where, other than a handful of government posts, there are few jobs.

The centrepiece of their work is The Old Boma, a former colonial fort which now operates as a not-for-profit 'Community Project Hotel and Training School', providing employment for more than 40 locals and a luxurious resting post for tourists.

The charity has also opened the Mikindani Schools Resource Centre. The centre acts as a library and holds an impressive store of textbooks, maths equipment, wall charts and other educational tools – all of which can be borrowed by local primary schools. The charity aims to extend the range of items available for loan to include basic science equipment and access to PCs.

Trade Aid is also involved in operating a tree nursery and an educational programme aimed at the prevention of soil erosion. In the coming year they plan to launch an enterprise aimed at the manufacture of bicycle trailers to help local traders to operate more effectively and improve transport infrastructure in the region.

Trade Aid has just two full time employees in the UK, which keeps administration expenses to the minimum and means nearly all donations get to the people of Mikindani.

To find out how to donate, volunteer, stay at the Old Boma Hotel, or get more info on any of the projects, call Bill Walker on 01425 657774 or e-mail him at fundraising@tradeaiduk.org.

Website: www.tradeaiduk.org

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