A West Midlands MEP has highlighted how EU development funding could damage a school in Kenya, which is run by a charity which has its head office in Stourbridge.
Nikki Sinclaire MEP, of the We Demand a Referendum Party, has formally tabled a question to the European Commission asking about a situation which could lead to a charity run school in Kenya being threatened.
Hill Wheeler School, in the slum area of Mtomondoni, Mtwapa, Kenya, is a beacon of hope for over 200 children. The education it provides offers these youngsters a chanceto escape the grinding poverty into which they were born.
This school, which is maintained by the Stourbridge based Hill Wheeler Charity, is faced with a crisis which threatens its future. A new road funded through a 75% European Commission Grant will cut through the school boundary, causing the loss of five classrooms, the school kitchen, the boundary wall and gate as well as part of the play area and well and water storage areas. The school wall has already been marked out to show where demolition will begin.
The school will be given no compensation whatsoever, and it is believed that other facilities including a clinic and an orphanage are likely to be similarly affected.
Nikki Sinclaire MEP said, "The EU trumpets its record in the area of developmental aid, and there is no doubt that this road is needed: but let us consider the human cost of this project. As always, it is the most vulnerable members of society who bear the brunt in such circumstances".
Nikki Sinclaire MEP has tabled a formal written question to the European Commission asking them how this situation has been allowed to develop.
Nikki added, "What impact assessment was carried out before the funding was agreed? and who oversaw the process? The road must be re-routed, or compensation and alternate land provision must be made. EU funding must be withheld until we are assured that this small and vulnerable community is fully protected".
Nikki Sincaire MEP is a member of the European Parliament Human Rights Sub-Committee, and also sits on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.
