Slum and sun made for an ‘emotional’ day in Rustington

More than 200 people flocked to the Parish Church hall, in The Street, to have a peak at the exhibition arranged by The Friends of the Mombasa Children.

There was everything from photos of schoolchildren the Rustington-based charity helps, to samples of African delicacies and even a mock-up of the slum-like conditions many impoverished youngsters have to endure in the country.

County, district and town councillor Dr James Walsh was one of those who visited the event, which also saw Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley in attendance.

Dr Walsh, who was born in Kenya, said: “I thought it was a superb effort.

“It was a very good atmosphere with the Kenyan music and food. It was extremely emotional too.

“I thought the slum conditions juxtaposed with the school the charity runs was a very good idea.”

The day generated about £700 for the charity.

However, The Friends of Mombasa Children’s founder and current secretary, Carol Groves, said the event was about more than just drumming up more cash.

“It was about raising awareness really, which is what we wanted to do,” she said. “The idea is to help children get out of poverty so all they can have an education and give them a chance in life.”

For more details, see www.mombasachildren.org.uk