Detour to visit poor in North Africa
A COUPLE have been inspired to make a journey to some of the most remote and poor parts of North Africa taking clothing items and educational materials to hand out to locals.
David and Sue Cornelius heard from friends who regularly travel to the region about the living conditions experienced at some schools in the desert and by the Berber people in the High Atlas mountain region.
They decided to fill their motorhome with aid for the three-week trip to Morocco next month.
The couple are appealing to readers to donate any unwanted children's clothes and writing materials they can spare before they leave in February..
They are travelling with Desert Detours, which supports a couple of remote desert schools and assists a number of projects in Morocco, after speaking to friends Ray and Debbie Monteith-Smith, who live in Spain.
David, who is 77 and is the retired director of the Government's Road and Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire, said: "Desert Detours support two schools near Erg Chebbi and Mazouga, which have around 20-25 pupils each, aged between five and 11. They have nothing!
"They also help a remote Berber village, near Imilchil, which has no name.
"It is called Fatima's Farm because the tour guides have watched a very basic, self-sufficient existence being literally scratched out of the earth by just a couple of families over the years.
"We have some items to take with us but there is plenty of room in our motorhome for more."
A spokesman for Desert Detours said: "On some tours we are able to visit these projects. Ever mindful of respect and dignity, it can be a humbling and soul-searching experience.
"In short, we always need items and equipment."
So if you have any T-shirts, shorts or blouses in children's sizes in good condition, as well as notepads, and writing materials to distribute to the villagers, call David or Sue before January 20 on 9246 7212.
They will be happy to collect them from your home or office.
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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