An island-led project to provide beekeeping training in the East African republic of Burundi is back on.

The trip had to be postponed last year following a crackdown by the Burundian authorities on foreign non-government organisations.

St John’s-based Harry Owens, 84, will fly out on February 20 on a three-week mission to teach modern beekeeping techniques.

He will be returning on March 11.

He is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, which will change lives for generations to come.

Harry, who is the island’s bee disease officer, is going to train some 300 female beekeepers, as well as groups of youths in how to make beehives and the protective clothing.

He has more than 50 years’ experience in beekeeping which he will use to empower the women in what is one of the world’s poorest nations - to change lives, improve their diet and provide additional funds to pay for essential items like school and education.

Unique

The project is a unique collaboration between the Isle of Man Beekeepers and Christian Aid in the island.

Louise Whitelegg, of Christian Aid, visited the Burundi Beekeeping Co-operative in February last year.

The initiative began in November 2017 on a small scale and with very limited internal funding.

Co-operatives of women were set up, and equipment given.

Harry’s trip aims to train and educate the co-operatives so they will be able to produce their own nutritious honey, supplementing the poor diets, with any excess to be sold at profit.

He had originally been planning to fly out to Burundi in October last year.

Thousands of pounds had been raised for the project and some £2,500 worth of equipment already sent out.

But things had to be put on hold after the Burundi authorities suspended all activity by international NGO activity for three months while checks were made to ensure they comply with new legislation.

You can follow Harry’s adventure on IoM Christian Aid’s Facebook page.

To organise a talk on Harry’s return or make a donation towards the project, contact Louise on 474275.

Peel Catherdral is hosting an art exhibition for the duration of Harry’s trip.