HASLEMERE MP Jeremy Hunt recently returned to teaching English, as part of a social project in Rwanda. He last taught English in Japan 15 years ago and used his skills to assist 'Project Umubano' – a social responsibility project aiming to use the skills, abilities and enthusiasm of parliamentarians to address some of the challenges facing Rwanda. Mr Hunt spent two days teaching English to students at Taba Secondary School – armed with teaching tools including magazines, CDs and song lyric sheets with the words blocked out. He also took artwork and letters from pupils at South Farnham School and was hoping to bring replies back from the Rwandan students, to show them on his return. Volunteers at the project are providing assistance in a variety of sectors, including education, health, business development, tourism, the environment, justice, information technology and local government. Project Umubano also has the full support of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Mr Hunt has a long standing interest in international development, particularly HIV and AIDS in Africa, and has founded a charity to help fund the education of AIDS orphans in Kenya. Mr Hunt said: "Sleeping rough in Rwanda is definitely warmer than when I did it in Parliament Square last December, though I am missing home comforts, like fresh coffee and chocolate. "Rwanda is a remarkable country – just 13 years ago it was in the middle of an appalling genocide, but it really seems to be picking up. "I really hope to build up links between students in Farnham and the students I am teaching – I am sure that will be much the most important legacy from this project."
