News
HRH presents building conservation graduates with their awards
10th March 2010
American students who have graduated from a building conservation course run by The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment received their awards from The Prince of Wales today.
The 18 building craft students from Louisiana hope to rebuild historic premises damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
The Prince joined the group at the central London offices of his Foundation which ran the course in partnership with Delgado College in New Orleans.
Malcolm Harding, a carpenter, said: "This programme has let me find my true passion.
"It also made me a better person and helped me appreciate my city surroundings and myself.
“This programme is the best thing that ever happened to me."
The students were trained in various disciplines from ironwork and stone masonry to carpentry during the six-month course called The Prince of Wales's Rebuilding Communities Programme.
It was based in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans and was established by the Prince last year.
The Prince set up the initiative after visiting the area devastated by the hurricane in 2005.
Drew Brees, quarter back with Superbowl champions the New Orleans Saints, is the new ambassador for the 2010 programme.
Visit The Prince’s Charities Community Website to find out more.