To Live, To Learn, To Leave a Legacy.

(after Stephen Covey)

Charitable Projects and Learning 

In trying to design creative and dynamic learning events, we are constantly looking for something different. One idea we are exploring is to work on real projects with charities. The idea is to provide the same level of experiential learning, but leaving more of a legacy for the future.

We have often added a voluntary element of charitable fund raising as part of team events and have run programmes where the delegates arranged an outing for a children's home, which worked very well.

Andie Brazewell and other associates have run more ambitious events with great success and we are looking for opportunities where we can progress this concept.

These projects are most likely to happen within the UK, but not necessarily. Steve and Anne Goodwill identified Diabetes UK as our preferred charity a number of years ago, but after their visit to the Caribbean, they adopted another cause and this may offer an exciting challenge for an adventurous organisation. See article on the right.

A Personal Perspective

In 2006, Directors Anne and Steve celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. We had a hugely enjoyable celebration evening at the rugby club. We asked our many friends not to buy us any presents, but instead to make donations to a children's home in Tobago. We took the money out with us on our holiday and after a visit, where we asked them what they needed we bought a number of items for them. The pictures below will give some idea of the before and after.

Although the home is government approved and financed, it is very basic and a long way from what we would expect in UK. They asked us for a large piece of linoleum, a TV, some garden furniture and a smart dining table and chairs.

A home for 45 children, often catering for double that number with limited resources.

New tables, chairs, flooring and some very happy residents.

A potential project in Yorkshire - a home for young adults with an unusable backyard - looking for a safe, secure and attractive outside relaxation area. Needs a little money, but more importantly a little creativity, some willing helpers and some project management. 

Another cause, which is well worth supporting and offers potential for corporate assistance or for links with a learning initiative is Resolve International, a charity looking to help fight poverty in Nepal. Among other projects, they are trying to help the Nepal National Sports Council. This strikes a chord for me as a lover of the mountains, having served with the Gurkhas and being interested in helping young people through sport.