With the help of a Northern businessman, Leeds Trinity University, located in the heart of Horsforth in Leeds, has partnered with a charity that helps gift unwanted furniture to classrooms in Ghana.

King Jesus Orphanage and School in Tepa, Ghana, is a recognised charity which frequently makes trips to outlying villages, where in many cases the children live in the most desperate condition imaginable.

The school has 15 teachers, two drivers, three helpers, a headmaster and two school buses supporting nearly 400 children, including nearly 70 orphans based permanently at the school.

Graham Dawson, a Building Surveyor based in Rochdale, Lancashire, works closely with the charity, since becoming friends with the founder. In his role as a contractor, he also worked on a project with Leeds Trinity University, and suggested considering King Jesus Orphanage and School when the institution had furniture that was no longer needed on campus, which could be reused to benefit local people there.

Leeds Trinity’s Head of Estates and Facilities, Frankie Spencer, said: “Thanks to the work we do with Building Surveyor, Graham Dawson, we were introduced to the King Jesus Orphanage where we have donated furniture that is now being used by schoolchildren in Ghana.

“Building, construction and sustainability has been a huge part of my passion, work and life. I try and upcycle furniture where possible. However, when this isn’t feasible, rather than seeing furniture destroyed, it’s lovely that it can be of use to others and seems a suitable and sustainable way to manage unwanted furniture.

“It’s heartwarming to receive updates and photographs of the furniture in use and the beaming smiles of children.”

The King Jesus Orphanage and School were founded 12 years ago by Stephen Mensah, a Christian pastor.

Stephen and Graham first met in Leeds approximately seven years ago, quickly forming a strong friendship that led to supporting the orphanage and school.

Graham Dawson said: “I can personally confirm the fabulous work the orphanage does in Ghana. I have seen first-hand some of the children brought to the orphanage where they are loved and cared for, I have seen them begin to prosper within themselves as they receive the love and friendship of the teachers and helpers at the orphanage. The support and donations from Leeds Trinity are a real blessing to the school, so thank you once again.”

Graham last visited Tepa Ghana in 2019 and is planning another trip in 2023 as he takes on a new project in the hope of building a new maternity and medical facility at the school aimed at helping local woman during childbirth with lifesaving equipment medicine and facilities.

Leeds Trinity will continue to support the work of the charity whenever possible.

The University works with a range of partners locally, regionally and nationally. Find out more on the website.