Overseas Development Minister applauds Eaga
September 2010
Efforts by staff at Eaga to raise funds for a school building project in Africa have been praised by International Development Minister Stephen O’Brien.
The FutureBuilding project was launched by green services provider Eaga and Childreach International to refurbish and re-build schools in Tanzania.
Much of the funding for the five-year project has come from the Eaga Partnership Trust – a staff support service - but employees visiting the scheme later this year are also doing their bit to raise cash.
This has included a charity ball, raising up to £20,000, and a 10-mile fancy dress run to draw attention to the distances some children in Africa have to walk each day for water.
Up to £100,000 has now been earmarked for extensive repairs to Lotima Primary School, near Kilimanjaro.
Staff from Eaga and Childreach International told Mr O’Brien how the school needs to be re-built to make it safe and fit for teaching. Using its experience in renewable energy Eaga also plans to install solar PV panels on the roof of the school to provide clean and sustainable power.
Eaga Future Leader Ellie Patience said:
“This is very much an international development project where we and other private sector partners will team up with the local community to ensure 400 children and their teachers have a safe and secure place to learn. Mr O’Brien’s encouragement and interest in the FutureBuilding project is a huge boost for us and we are extremely grateful for his time and advice.”
International Development Minister, Stephen O’Brien, said:
“The UK government is working hard to make British taxpayers’ money deliver better results for the world’s poorest people. That includes recognising and encouraging the role that private sector can play in development. The Eaga FutureBuilding project will help give hundreds of children in Tanzania an education helping to provide a route out of extreme poverty. It’s a fantastic example of a British business getting involved in development and making a lasting difference.”
(Left to right) Helen Cater and Vicky Lauder from Eaga, International Development Minister Stephen O’Brien, Ellie Patience from Eaga and Firoz Patel from Childreach
During October and November 50 staff and future leaders from Eaga, including skilled engineers, electricians and plumbers, will work closely with community volunteers and tradesmen from Lotima. In a new development they will also be joined by 10 managers from Eaga business partners including ScottishPower, Wolseley, Cookson Electronics and Honeywell.
Sam Robinson, Eaga’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: “The fact that other leading companies are now joining us is extremely exciting and testament to the growing success of the project. Indeed, it was recently named Best Overseas Project in the Business Charity Awards.”
Firoz Patel, Childreach International’s CEO said “Our partnership with Eaga has been a genuine one, which has seen them support Childreach International projects in numerous ways, not only financially. Their technical and professional assistance reflects their staunch commitment to corporate social responsibility and international development, which has dramatically improved the lives of thousands of children who are now able to enjoy an education”.
Newcastle-based Eaga is at the forefront of the low carbon economy and one of Europe’s fastest growing green support services companies.
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Notes to Editors
1. Eaga is a green support services and outsourcing company and a leader in the provision of outsourced services, products and solutions that address the environmental and social objectives of Government and the private sector. Eaga’s key market drivers are centred on climate change and social inclusion.
2. Eaga is the UK’s largest residential energy efficiency provider. Working in partnership with central and local Government, utility companies and other commercial organisations, Eaga operates across the UK and in the republic of Ireland, India and Canada, employing around 5,000 people.
3. Eaga was established in 1990 as a private limited company to lead Government-funded efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people living in cold, damp and energy inefficient homes across England. In 2000, the company was restructured to become a 100% employee-owned business.
4. Childreach International is a UK registered charity. Childreach International works with local communities in the developing world to help improve children’s access to health, education, child rights and participation. We use an active and inclusive fundraising model that encourages our donors to get involved with the projects they are funding. We currently have projects in India, Ghana, Tanzania, Pakistan, Nepal, Palestinian Territories and Bangladesh.