About The Trust

Our Mission

The Mission of Windle Trust International is to equip refugees and others affected by conflict in Africa to meet the challenges of development through providing access to education, training and employment both by direct programme activity and through the support of independent Trusts in Africa.

History of the Trust

In 1977, Hugh Pilkington set up the Windle Charitable Trust in Kenya to support needy Kenyan students. In addition, inspired by his contact with refugees stranded in Kenya, Hugh Pilkington personally assisted refugees to study in Kenya and elsewhere, including at British universities. Based on his experience of working in Africa for a number of years as a language advisor to the Bible Society, Hugh believed that good education was essential if Africa was going to meet the challenges it faced.

In 1986 Hugh was tragically killed in a car accident in Canada. Before his death he had made arrangements for his personal estate to be used to set up a foundation to promote the education of refugees - in 1988 the Hugh Pilkington Charitable Trust was established in the UK.

The Hugh Pilkington Charitable Trust (HPCT) and the Windle Charitable Trust have continued to pursue and develop Hugh Pilkington's vision. Over the years this has included the setting up of regional offices in Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia, as well as a joint project, which later became an independent charity, with the South Sudanese Community called 'Skills for Southern Sudan'. In 2002 Windle Trust International (WTI) was formed to manage the operational programme arm of HPCT as a charitable company limited by guarantee. WTI also provides advice and fundraising support for sister Windle Trusts in Uganda Kenya and Ethiopia and works closely with Skills for Southern Sudan.

As the work of the Trusts has developed, the Trustees have taken a strategic approach to developing the skills for reconstruction and managing peace once conflict ends.

Why Education?

The Need
One of the tragedies of Africa’s long-term conflicts is the waste of human resources as people are displaced from their farms, villages and towns to sit for years in refugee camps, waiting, with little possibility of taking control over their own lives or being able to help themselves. They long to invest in their future through education and training. Out of frustration some resettle to Western countries and their talents are lost to Africa altogether.

The Impact
Education not only helps individuals. It equips them to promote stable development in their communities through work as doctors, teachers, community leaders, nurses, managers, technical experts, lawyers, social workers, academics and tutors, and in many other roles. Windle’s investment in the education and training of refugees helps to provide countries and communities with the professional and leadership skills they need. It also encourages those who are assisted to stay in Africa and make a major contribution to rebuilding their communities and their countries. Former Windle students are now helping to rebuild countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Eritrea, Sudan and Uganda which are recovering from long periods of conflict. Their professional skills will help to ensure that conflict does not return.

Downloads

• Annual Review 2005/06 PDF [2MB]