A LOCAL charity which works to alleviate poverty and disease in a Tanzanian village is holding its 25th anniversary fundraiser at Tunbridge Wells pub.
The Shimbwe Development Trust, set up by retired Tunbridge Wells Hospital Ophthalmologist Dr Peter Tesha, is holding a fundraiser on Monday August 28 for its silver anniversary at the Grove Tavern, Tunbridge Wells.
The charity was set up by Dr Tesha in 1997, in a bid to improve the lives of those living in Shimbwe, the rural village in Tanzania where he grew up.
The event starts from midday and all are invited to pop along and support the charity.
Following his retirement last year, Dr Tesha plans to spend six months out in the Shimbwe area and six months here in Tunbridge Wells.
The Trust has helped to improve clean water access, education and health facilities.
Money has been spent on building the infrastructure to provide clean water, helping to decrease the number of parasitic infestations among children.
The charity also founded the first secondary school in the village, helping to provide more options for those in Shimbwe Ward, located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.
Fundraisers are an important part of how the Trust can carry out its work in improving the lives of those in Shimbwe Ward.
Joyce Matthews, Chair of the Trust and local resident, told the Times: “Funding has meant we are able to lay pipes and install an irrigation system so that the children can have a drink of water on their way to school.
“Two water wells have been built, and we are currently building a third.
“It has made a huge difference to the village.”
Dr Tesha, who has saved the eyesight of many Tunbridge Wells residents, has garnered much support from his former patients for his charity fundraisers. This fundraiser will be a special one to mark the 25th anniversary.
The Grove Tavern, where Joyce also works, will be hosting this year’s fundraiser. There will be live music from Tunbridge Wells band The Varlies, a barbecue and a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses.
You can make a donation to the Trust at: shimbwetrust.org/donate
