Funding need for Rwanda flights

Around 12 youngsters and other parishioners from the Parish of Christ the King, in Gratwicke Road, will jet out to a tiny village called Kigeme, in the south of the country, to work on schools, hospitals and on farms.

Team leader Steve Johnson, 29, from the parish's Goal youth group, explained: "We are going to Rwanda to help others and to get an idea of what life is like there."

Asked why they chose the Kigeme diocese, Mr Johnson said: "The parish has strong links with Rwanda. Two years ago it raised 2,500 to buy around 25 goats for the town, so it is an ideal time to see how that money has been spent."

Each volunteer has to pay 250 for flights themselves and generate a further 750 through sponsorship and fund-raising.

Money-making schemes include a car wash, baby sitting, a musical recital and an auction later this year, with prizes including a free haircut at Richard John Hair & Beauty Salon, The Arcade, Worthing.

Steve added: "Rwanda is an on-going humanitarian crisis.

"There is an AIDS epidemic killing thousands of people and leaving teenagers to bring up young children on their own."

For more information, contact Steve on 01903 204317.