At the time Out of Afrika first had the idea of creating a skills training centre, David McMillen a Barrister in Northern Ireland happened to be thinking along the same lines after visiting poor rural schools while on his travels in Tanzania.
David had first emailed Out of Afrika in 2003 when he mentioned about the idea of setting up a school in Africa and his plan to raise funds through the Bar of Northern Ireland.
Several years later after talking to Dorcas Crawford, a friend and colleague who is a partner in Edwards & Co. a Solicitors in Belfast about his dream of building a school, Dorcas agreed to take on the task of fund raising for what would become International Centre of Technology.
David's email:
Dear Sir
I have viewed your web site with interest. For some time I have been looking for a charity to guide and lead a project that I have in mind. A couple of years ago I visited Kenya and I was immensely moved by the poverty but dignity of the people in the country.
In the course of my travels I passed through a village where I had the opportunity to visit the local school. This had been in place since the 1940’s. The best buildings were breeze block with leaking tin roofs. The dormitories had narrow beds that usually held 3-4 kids. The cooking facilities were large cauldrons over open fires. Perhaps the most telling matter was when I asked the headmaster what the kids would most like if I could send them something. He answered, without hesitation but with a smile, “a football”. The kids played football at every opportunity but never had a ball other than one made of bound leaves.
No doubt the most moving and surprising thing to me was the kids themselves. They had a spirit and a drive to learn and to improve their own lives.
I felt moved to attempt to assist this school or one in a similar position. However as I returned to my own world the drive dissipated to a low burning that flared up from time to time. Finally, I have decided that it is time to do something.
After pondering matters I have realised that I do not have the skills or experience to proceed on my own. I have decided that I need a charity to lend its expertise and experience to my idea to found or assist schools in Africa. I have read through a blizzard of information and web pages.
Your web site struck a particular cord with me in that the foundation of your organisation and its ideals mirrored my own views. I feel very strongly that one thing we can do is to free Africans to help themselves. I have benefited from an excellent education and everyday of my life I reap the benefits.
David McMillen
