Swatragh charity praises County Derry for donations which helped build school in Africa

A Swatragh based charity has praised people in County Derry for their donations which have helped to fund the construction of a school in Africa.

Volunteers with Granaghan Outreach recently returned home from Lufwanyama in Northern Zambia following the successful completion of their latest project at Mbalango School.

Members have been working on the project since 2023.  When they first arrived in the country there was only a single hut for over 100 children.

Now, two years down the line, after three successful projects, the group has built new classrooms, a toilet block, teacher’s accommodation and a well.

Explaining the role of Granaghan Outreach, Maeve Quinn, Chairperson, stated that they have been improving educational facilities in some of the world’s poorest regions for almost two decades.

“Granaghan Outreach was established in 2006 by Granaghan parish, with the goal of supporting communities in some of the world’s poorest regions. Since then, we have completed many projects, focusing primarily on improving educational facilities in areas of extreme poverty,” she said.

“When we first visited Mbalango School in 2023, over 100 children were being taught in a single, small clay shack. Thanks to the support of the Society of African Missions (SMA), we were able to source this project and respond to the needs of the community.

“Now, Mbalango School has multiple classrooms, a teacher’s residence, a storeroom, and a toilet block. Additionally, a generous donation from the O’Neill family enabled us to install a well on the school grounds, dedicated in memory of our late volunteer, Seamus O’Neill.”

Granaghan Outreach believe the school they have built is ‘a representation of the unwavering kindness and generosity’ of those living in County Derry. 

Volunteers from the charity are now gearing up to travel to Kimbo Primary School in Central Kenya in September. 

“We began working with this school last year, constructing two classrooms. During our upcoming trip, we aim to add a further double classroom and a toilet block,” Maeve continued.

“Fundraising for this project is ongoing, and details can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

“We remain incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community here in County Derry and beyond. Every penny raised goes directly to the work we do in these communities.”