YOUNGSTERS in Bosnia will have a more up-to-date education thanks to police sergeant Paul Jenkins.
In April, he was transferred from his job as a custody officer at York to the International Policing Task Force in Bihac, close to the Croatian border.
He was so moved by the conditions in local schools that he decided to do something about it. He contacted friends and family, his old school - Woodthorpe Juniors in York - and the charity Computer Aid International.
With their help, he acquired 22 computers, two laptops and four printers as well as pens, pencils, crayons and books.
He was facing transporting the equipment across Europe when 5 Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers stepped in to help.
Yesterday, Sgt Jenkins was at Catterick Garrison to see it all loaded on to a military lorry for the long journey east.
"There are seven schools in the area where I was working, catering for children aged from seven to 14," he said. "They are so poorly funded that some of them do not even have a heating system. The children sit at their desks in hats and coats to keep warm. I was determined to do something to help and I am very grateful to all those who have assisted me with their time and donations. The staff and pupils will get such a surprise when this equipment arrives."
Sgt Jenkins will be returning to Bihac later this month att-ached to the European Policing Mission. He is one of three North Yorkshire officers serving in Bosnia.
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