Tory’s Rwanda visit ‘amazing’

From the archive, first published Friday 10th Aug 2007.

FOR Conservative leader David Cameron, it was a source of much controversy.

But Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood has described the recent trip by Tory volunteers to Rwanda as an "amazing experience".

More than 40 volunteers, including eight MPs, made the trip to Africa, a decision Mr Cameron was widely criticised for as his constituency at home suffered flooding.

Project Umubano, one of 20 undertaken, aimed to transform a small community near Kigali, devastated by the 1994 genocide, into a vibrant education centre.

Classrooms were upgraded, a playground built and the site was linked to water mains for the first time, when children had previously had to walk a mile to the nearest supply.

Mr Ellwood said: "It was really given a new lease of life and in a small way we made a mark in that corner of Rwanda.

"What we are seeing now is a very different country, looking forward, but aware of its past.

"We came away with a better understanding of what is happening in Africa, so we can speak with more authority of the issues."

Rwanda is heavily dependent on outside aid, and the UK alone contributes a quarter of the country's annual budget.

Mr Ellwood said it was therefore important the west ensured the money was spent correctly.

"We need to work with them to stand up on their own two feet," he said.

After working from 6am to 6pm each day, the building was handed back to the orphanage's 82 children in the presence of the Rwandan finance minister.

Mr Ellwood also praised the contribution of Bournemouth conservationist Adam Murry, who generously provided half the £10,000 needed to complete the project.

Of the criticism of aimed at the Tory leader for his presence in Rwanda, Mr Ellwood said Mr Cameron simply couldn't win.

"I'm not sure what more he could have done," he said.

"It was very unfortunate that events happened to coincide, but he ensured the situation at home was under control.

"The issue of Africa is very important and we cannot ignore that."

Mr Ellwood also added his backing to the Tory leader, who has come under fire in recent weeks after a Labour resurgence in the polls.

He said: "There is always a bounce for a new prime minister.

"It would be wrong to assume David Cameron's approach is not working."