A conservative councillor has just returned from volunteering in Burundi and Rwanda.

Councillor David Millican , who travelled as a self-funded volunteer, visited the impoverished countries to train and mentor small businesses.

He also delivered tennis balls donated by Will-to-Win Tennis club in Ealing to orphaned children

Burundi and Rwanda are small neighbouring countries and amongst the poorest in the world after both having emerged from massive turmoil, with genocide 20 years ago in Rwanda and more recent conflicts in Burundi.

Mr Millican said: “Despite the difficulties there is an enormous appetite in both countries to develop their business environment.

“Our business team worked with the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Burundi; and SURF, a British-based charity supporting survivors of the Rwanda genocide. We ran a week-long course in each country, which was aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of more than 100 business people.

“Whilst we were in Bujumbura, the Burundi capital, last year, several of us visited an orphanage, which is housing more than 60 street kids. During the past year we set up a registered charity, here in Britain, to raise the money to pay their rent. The kids so appreciated our time when we returned this year. At least now they have a secure home base. It was also great to see Jocelyne Umutoniwase, from Kigali Rwanda who joined our training course two years ago. It was fantastic to see that she has already doubled her fashion business. She made a beautiful jacket for my wife two years ago.”

David spent over 30 years in sales, marketing and corporate communications for Xerox.

Donations can be made via http://www.orphanageofhearts.org