Department for International Development
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Nottingham firm commended on partnership for African schoolchildren
A Nottingham company which supplies educational equipment such as woodwork lesson tools and plumbing tools to schools in Africa has been commended by the Secretary of State for International Development.
On a visit to Eagle Scientific, Andrew Mitchell MP said that the company was leading the way in working with African governments to ensure schoolchildren have the right tools to learn.
The company, based in Sandiacre, is in the final stages of negotiation to win a £31 million contract with the Ghanaian government to kit out vocational training schools across the country. The equipment that the company have supplied includes training equipment for woodwork and carpentry, plumbing, domestic science and cookery and automotive and diesel engines courses.
Andrew Mitchell said that many of the children who will be helped into education in Ghana through the UK's newly-refocused aid spend would benefit from the equipment being purchased through Eagle Scientific.
Mr Mitchell also highlighted the potential for educated young people to start their own businesses from their vocational training, which will create jobs in their local communities, and trade Africa out of poverty.
Andrew Mitchell said:
"Education is central to creating the wealth that helps people to pull themselves out of poverty. Educated young people are much more likely to seize entrepreneurial opportunities which increase business and trade in their communities.
"Companies like Eagle Scientific are seeing a dual benefit from working with the developing world. Not only are they able to supply high quality goods to people in need but they are also able to employ people from the Nottingham area."
Eagle Scientific has previously worked with the government of Nigeria to supply basic medical equipment for a maternal, newborn and child health programme.
Tim Johnsen Managing Director of Eagle Scientific said:
"It was a pleasure to meet the Secretary of State for International Development and show him the work we do supplying educational medical and vocational equipment to developing countries. Our company helps developing countries to train young people whose skills are vital to a growing economy. It also helps the Nottingham economy by employing over 30 local people."
