A charity dedicated to helping the poorest people in East Uganda is marking its ten year partnership this year.

Harpenden Spotlight on Africa (HSoA) based in in Station Road, Harpenden, searches for sustainable long-term development to help transform the lives of the poorest people in the country.

Founded in 2007, the charity aims to create links between communities in the UK and Africa through charitable projects relating to education, health, clean water, and economic development.

Over the past ten years, the charity has helped drill 25 boreholes, a deep and narrow hole made to find water or oil. These boreholes have provided the community with 80 per cent clean water compared with only 25 per cent, ten years ago.

A primary school built by the charity, ensured more than 900 pupils could receive an education at the school.

Spotlight has also funded a new programme, where more than 250 people living in Uganda can deliver practical health advice to the poorest communities, ranging from hand washing to malaria and HIV/AIDS control.

Spotlight Chairman Andrew Mayo, said: "A decade of support for the community near Mbale in Eastern Uganda is an enormous milestone for Spotlight.

"We are immensely proud of the work that the charity has undertaken in this community.

"Over ten years the team in Hertfordshire, along with our local partners in Uganda, has succeeded in its four key areas - clean water, education, health and economic development, which has helped to improve the lives of thousands of adults and children."

Its future plans over the next ten years, subject to additional funding, include the construction of a health clinic.

The charity will host a special summer black tie event at Luton Hoo Walled Garden next year.

Tickets cost £70 per person and proceeds go towards the charity.

To learn more about Spotlight on Africa, visit the website or email enquiries@hsoa.org.uk.