From Capula to Charity Work - Don moves on ...

15 Mar 2003

On 20th March, Capula will be losing one of its newest recruits. Don Jones has been with Capula for 6 months but will be leaving to pursue a personal challenge. He will be leaving the computers behind to travel to Malawi on voluntary charity work.

It is a fact that 2.5 million people are at risk of famine. AIDS is also a major killer in Africa and unfortunately, this has resulted in a shortage of newly qualified young teachers. The charity, called Africa Asia Venture (AV) was founded in 1993 and offers students and graduates the chance to teach and coach sports to underprivileged children. Don will be teaching basic English, Mathematics, Science and Physical Education to primary and secondary school children along with 19 other students. He is due to fly to Zimbabwe on 22nd April for a 4 day training course, then travel to the city of Blantyre just south of Malawi where he will spend the next 3-4 months on the project.

This will be a major challenge for Don. He will receive no special treatment while in Africa. When he isn't teaching, he will be spending his spare time with a fellow companion in a basic mud hut with no running water and no electricity. The only toilet available is the 'long drop', a communal shaft cut out of the ground for the school's use.

Don came to Capula on a graduate training scheme. He graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Computer and Electronic Engineering. He has received excellent support from all who have heard of his pending adventure. His High School, St Margaret Ward, has organised various sponsored activities. They have a target of £1,700 which they are to donate to the school where Don is to teach and this will help the school build a new library and provide sports equipment.

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