Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My uncle, Andrew Crowden, was an amazing doctor who loved Africa and was a recognised expert in the Western region. He was based in Uganda for many years. Through him I gained an initial understanding of the issues confronting the poor, the vulnerable and the young. 

Last year I was selected to be a mentor, under the Queen's Young Leaders initiative, for an inspirational CEO, Edmund Page,  who runs a couple of exceptional charities helping refugees in Africa (The Xavier Project). I learned from him that, where possible, we need to support people in their home countries, helping them to develop skills and tackle problems - it's no good sending back boats when people reach the shores of Greece or turfing them out of camps and lorries in Calais. Retrak is helping at the grass root stage  - supporting street children in Africa and enabling them to have a real alternative to life on the street. With projects in Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya providing healthcare, refuge and education, Retrak is committed to encouraging street children to realise their potential and discover their worth. In addition, the #ConnectingHRAfrica participants (of which I am one) will be training and supporting local staff and the wider community in Kampala, using a breadth of business, HR and Learning and Development skills and knowledge, to aid them in the work that they do and to positively impact local lives.

I have been asked to raise at least £2,000 for the Retrak cause.

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