Community news

Young photographer at Bishop’s Cleeve builder snaps up chance to support Kenyan school

- 22 Oct 19

An aspiring photographer at a national housebuilder in Bishop’s Cleeve will take his talent to Kenya as he helps re-build classrooms there thanks to his favourite Premiership football team.

Alex Perkins, 20, a photographer and videographer at Bovis Homes, will embark on an eight-day trip to Nakuru, three hours from Nairobi, through the Aston Villa Foundation.

Alex, who plies his skills at new-build sites and offices across the country, will be improving facilities and coaching sports lessons, while documenting the experience on camera for Aston Villa, and its partner, African Adventures.

“Through my role at Bovis Homes, I have developed my camera skills – running photoshoots and videos at our locations throughout England,” he said.

“Bovis Homes has given me a fantastic opportunity at the company, which I am trying to grab with both hands, and this trip to Kenya will provide even more experience. As an Aston Villa fan, I found out about the trip on LinkedIn, and knew straight away I should do it.

“I travel to places around the world to capture unique photographs and videos and I wanted to visit Africa next. I really want to help the school in any way I can – and with my career at Bovis Homes, and support for Villa, helping to build classrooms through the club’s initiative sounded perfect.

“With overcrowding an issue at the school, improved facilities are needed to accommodate growing numbers and create more learning spaces. We will take part in painting, moulding bricks, and assisting with the build of school facilities.”

The Villa fans will assist teachers with lessons for children aged 3-17, which includes reading stories, preparing meals and playing games. They will also take part in home visits to experience day-to-day life in Nakuru.

Alex, whose favourite player is Villa captain Jack Grealish and who has worked at Bovis Homes for nearly three years, saved up and bought his first camera aged 13 – a Nikon Bridge.

The housebuilder will contribute towards Alex’s fundraising - as he seeks to raise £2,000 for the trip. He will also hold a raffle with prizes including a photo shoot and one of his framed photographs.

Sharon Nash, regional marketing manager at Bovis Homes, said: “Alex is a valued member of the communications team at Bovis Homes and we are delighted to support his contribution to improve the facilities at a Kenyan school.

“We wish him all the best for his adventure and look forward to seeing his photographs and video – which we know will be wonderful, given the quality of his work at Bovis Homes.”

Bovis Homes has nearby locations including Furlong Rise in Prestbury, Oaklands in Hunts Grove and, soon, in Twigworth.

Alex will take part on Aston Villa Foundation’s 2020 Trip to Kenya in October next year. To donate towards his trip, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexPerkinsKenya.