Test tubes, Bunsen burners and beakers are just a few of the many items donated by Scientific and Chemical Supplies of Bilston to a Ugandan school project
The request for help came from Arnold Bunjo, a food processing operator at Panesar Foods in Black Lake, West Bromwich, one of the company's customers.
Originally from Uganda , Bunjo is also project initiator for the Excel Academy in Mukono, a school for orphans and underprivileged children aged from 10-18 years.
He helped establish the academy with his colleague Peter Senyance, who now heads up the operation.
Like all schools, the academy has to adhere to the national curriculum and it desperately needed equipment to furnish a science laboratory following the government's introduction of science as a compulsory subject.
"When we received the request we were able to put together a package of items for the school," explained Stuart Parkin, sales director of Scientific and Chemical International.
"Promoting science is always a positive move from our point of view.
"But when it benefits children such as these, whose lives science may never have touched, then it is extremely worthwhile".
The Excel Academy has around 700 children, 300 of whom are residential.
Started just over three years ago, its purpose is to give local children an opportunity in life.
Arnold raises money to help when and where he can to send back to the academy.
"You have to understand that after primary school there is nothing unless the children have families who can pay for their education.
"Without the academy they would simply wander around all day and have no future.
"By opening the academy we have given the children an opportunity and purpose and they can leave well prepared for skilled employment as craftsmen, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics etc.
"We are so pleased and grateful for the equipment that Scientific and Chemical International has donated.
"It will certainly kit out our laboratory very well.
"To us it is state-of-the-art equipment.
"Last year one of our students was successful in gaining a university place.
"A great achievement for the academy," added Arnold Bunjo.
Scientific and Chemical is the largest UK independent supplier of laboratory equipment and chemicals to schools, higher education, research and industry.
The company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
