Queen’s Park kits delight new supporters in Africa
QUEEN’S PARK has found a new set of supporters – in east Africa.
The Spiders’ strips are now being proudly worn by youngsters in the shadow on Mount Killimanjaro following a visit by club chaplain Jamie McKerlie.
Jamie carried the kit from the club to northern Tanzania where he has supported Moshi Christian Children’s Centre for several years.
His latest trip to the region saw him help fit out new accommodation in a building project – and also pass on some Queen’s Park kit.
He said: “The children here are well supported in terms of care, education and healthcare but they have very little in terms of personal possessions or clothing.
“The gift of Queen’s Park strips was well received by the children and they were all proud to pull on the kits and start a big game of football on their nearby ‘pitch’.
“It was really just a set of goalposts amongst some patchy grass – but there was a lot of fun and joy for the children wearing both the home and away jerseys.
“I even ended up joining in after going to watch – even though I was in sandals!
“I am pleased to report the final score was 5-3 – to Queen’s Park of course! Play was suspended for half an hour for a heavy rain shower but by that time I was covered in mud and feeling my age!”
Jamie and his wife Linda have sponsored the MCCC for several years. The centre provides access to all education levels, and children are often allocated secondary education in other regions of Tanzania, while many progress to college and University.
Jamie added: “The centre was established by missionaries many years ago
and in recent times has been run by friends of ours from Thornliebank.
“The centre is financed by sponsors from the UK and it is intended to hand the
management of the centre over to Tanzanians, however this has been a difficult process.
“The children who live here are not necessarily orphaned but come from families with severe poverty or social issues such as alcoholism or gambling addiction, both of which are severe problems for an already impoverished society.
“Four years ago a nursery was set up in the centre and my friend, an experienced primary school teacher, was responsible for training local teachers and establishing a curriculum.
“Government facilities such as education, social care and education is sparse. For example a government school has class sizes of up to 100 pupils and they are unable to provide support for many families.”
Jamie spent a fortnight helping out and added: “It has been a successful trip. The work is not yet finished, the tiling is only half done and facilities have still to be plumbed in but it has been great to see a group of kids of all ages who have very little but yet have such joy and enthusiasm.
“Many thanks to Queen’s Park for their generous gift which has gone down a storm here.”
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