TWO hundred Irish volunteers will travel to Kenya to help build a training and feeding centre in a country where some 10 million people are thought to be facing starvation.

The 'Building of Hope 2010' project will be based in Mombasa next year to help combat the negative effects of widespread crop failure and political unrest in the region.

Irish tradesmen and women, including bricklayers, plasterers, electricians and carpenters, will form the group and more help and volunteers are now being sought.

"The situation was bad enough in Mombasa but this (crop failure) just makes things harder for people who have nothing," said organiser Olive Halpin. "Building the centre will be a priority because it will be used as a feeding station and the kitchens will be used to train people how to cook and to help feed those coming for food."

According to the organisation, around 2.5 million people in the impoverished African country are suffering from disease while drug abuse and prostitution are also huge social problems.

From January to February next, Irish volunteers will spend 10 days working on the project. Each volunteer will be expected to raise €3,000 in order to cover costs and contribute to building costs.

Volunteer Billy Murphy said: "We are going with the Building of Hope project this year for a new experience and to work in a different country. It's hard work but great to help these poor people who have so little."

Others interested in joining the charitable project can contact Olive Halpin at 087 699 4599 for further information.