Kenyan construction workers give time and money to local causes

Wednesday 01 February 2023

Seasonal construction workers from Kenya are supporting local charities, elderly and vulnerable people as well as environmental projects, through donating their wages and volunteering on weekends.

Employed by local specialist recruitment agency GR8, the construction workers are employed by the company to work in the island on nine-month contracts.

"It was quiet over Christmas, so we offered them [the construction workers from Kenya] some paid work at our offices," GR8 Managing Director Lee Madden explained.

"We were taken completely by surprise when they said they wanted to donate their wages to the Highlands Foundation which does magnificent work supporting local students, and to a cause close to their hearts in Kenya."

After the group of construction workers donated their wages from a Christmas project to the Highlands Foundation and Nyumbani Children's Home in Kenya, the team of workers are now looking to volunteer on one weekend per month, and have already had interest from Les Amis.

Pictured: Children at the Nyumbani Children's Home, Kenya.

According to Mr Madden, a cheque of £1,200 was donated to the children's charity.

Volunteering projects will help vulnerable groups through carrying out renovations, decorating or engaging in gardening projects.

Ayub Omondio, who has worked in Jersey for nine months, said: "As a group of Kenyans we are extremely grateful to the island of Jersey for making us welcome and to repay that generosity, we want to give something back to Jersey by providing our skills and our time to those that need help and support."

In addition, Mr Omondio and colleagues will provide assistance to local charities who may need repairs or support at fundraising events, as well as supporting environmental projects.

Pictured: Children at the Nyumbani Children's Home, Kenya.

Mr Madden added: "...What really impressed me was that they also said they wanted to carry on supporting the community here and this just shows what a fantastic group of guys they are.

"We will be launching a charity scheme in the next few weeks, and as we are getting it off the ground, we have already had a request from one local charity for their help."