Connaught Partnerships Limited in Aberdeen is helping establish a Skills Centre in a small village in The Gambia through Project Gambia which is supported by The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Scotland.

The refurbishment and maintenance specialist was approached by The Duke of Edinburgh Award to donate building materials and tools for the centre which will give hundreds of African teenager's secondary education and the opportunity to learn a trade.

Connaught provided plywood sheeting for roofing and walls, internal doors, piping for plumbing and tools, all of which have been shipped over to Africa.

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Scott Baxter, Connaught customer development manager for the North East, said: "We were approached by Project Gambia regarding supplying building materials and tools for the construction of the Skills Centre and we were delighted to be able to help.

"The Skills Centre will provide invaluable training and education for young people in the area. Connaught runs similar centres across the UK and we firmly believe in the importance of investing in the futures of our youngsters and also those who are unemployed and looking to learn the skills to work in a trade."

Construction has started on the Skills Centre and it is hoped that it will be completed by the end of 2008. The centre will serve around 500 young people in the Kerewan area of The Gambia and will teach vital skills including joinery, metal work, car maintenance, fabric skills and IT.

Bruce Robertson, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, said: "This Skills Centre will help people in one of the poorest areas of Africa to get the education they need to find employment. We are extremely grateful for Connaught's contribution and the company's ongoing support."

(GK/JM)