Helping Africa

2:47pm Tuesday 5th December 2000

Third World charities attempting to cash-in on our feelings of guilt often fundraise during the festive season.

But throwing money at Africa in an attempt to salve our collective consciences may cause more damage than good. Instead of creating long-term stability, it can encourage a culture of dependency, say two Barnet churches.

High Barnet Methodist and St John the Baptist are involved in a unique partnership with Kenyan village North Kinangop, which is just starting to bear fruit. Rather than giving cash the churches have helped introduce the internet.

"Some African communities just rely on having money sent and for a while this community was like that," explains Methodist church member Robert Noble. "The prime example of where it went wrong was Bob Geldof who meant well and did a marvellous job but so much of that money went into things they didn't need."

Not that sending money does not help. During his most recent visit in November, Mr Noble, 53, of Normandy Avenue, Barnet, also caught up with Laban Theo, a youngster sponsored by Underhill Junior School in Mays Lane, Barnet, for the past two years. And he stresses the team effort behind the project.

Last year Louis Spring, a congregant at St John's, helped by Mr Noble, set up an information technology centre. This has now grown, providing employment and revenue. The people of North Kinangop now have a new cottage industry building websites.

"Having got the centre set up we have now made a link to a community in Nairobi there are young people who want to learn computer skills and they will be trained by the people of North Kinangop." The centre is offering its services to Times Group readers wanting websites.

But having internet access also acts as a high-tech conduit for more traditional trade. Mr Noble, a furniture buyer for Fenwicks at Brent Cross shopping centre, explains: "As Africa gets the internet there is more opportunity for fair trade. I can talk to traders on the internet as if they are in the next room."

Visit www.kenya.ke.care4free.net for more information.