By Matthew Barrett
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Project Umubano, the Conservative social action project in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, has had a record number of volunteers - 120 - to join this month.
The project, which will take place for the fifth year this year, is entirely self-funded and was set up in 2007 by David Cameron and (then-Shadow) Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell. It is led by Conservative MPs (pictured right is Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham), and teaches skills such as education, business, health and community development. Since 2007, more than 230 volunteers - from students to Ministers of State - have participated, with many choosing to return to the project.
Andrew Mitchell said:
"I am thrilled that Project Umubano is in its fifth year and that more people than ever are travelling to Africa to take part. It is a challenging experience and I am heartened that so many members of the Conservative family are taking time out from their summer to help."
Leader of the Project Stephen Crabb MP said:
"This year’s project builds on the fantastic work already done by the Conservative Party in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and I am delighted that so many volunteers will join us this time. Whether it’s our new partnership with Street Child of Sierra Leone, our work with the Rwandan Senate or our ongoing football and cricket coaching programmes, Project Umubano continues to go from strength to strength."
> Last month, Stephen Crabb wrote about project Umubano on Comment.
> On today's ToryDiary, we report Andrew Mitchell announcing £52.25m in emergency aid for East African drought victims
