GMP officers to fly to Africa with Manchester Charity

A 24-strong team from the local force is working with Manchester based charity Retrak to give Ethiopian and Ugandan street children a better way of life.

Retrak is a charity using local support to help make a global impact, and this year is one of GMP's chosen charities for 2011.

As in 2010, GMP employees eagerly responded to an appeal by Retrak to travel to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa or Kampala in Uganda to work at their projects, but only a lucky few have secured a seat on the plane which flies out in November.

Among other things the officers will be using part of their annual leave to repair and refurbish Retrak's half way home's for street children, providing them with a safe haven away from the daily struggle for survival on their journey to rehabilitation into family or vocational life.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy says: "Those involved in GMP's partnership with Retrak in 2010 feel honoured to have made a lasting difference to the lives of children in Africa through Retrak's essential work.

We are pleased to be able to present this life changing opportunity to GMP officers and staff again in 2011, and grateful to Retrak for allowing us to be a part of their efforts to see no child forced to live on the streets."

Retrak aims to help children who sleep rough to live a fuller and happier life. Many children live on the streets due to poverty, abuse, being orphaned often as a result of HIV/AIDS, war and famine. Retrak protects and inspires these children by providing long term care and support in areas such as healthcare, refuge, education, employment opportunities and sports.

To support Retrak and the team of volunteers from GMP visit:
www.retrak.org