THERE are basic reasons why a biography of a doctor working in Kenya for a foundation which supports more than a 1,000 orphans should make for compelling reading.

There are, however, special reasons why people in Jersey should look out for the brief booklet, buy it and be inspired by its contents.

The subject of the booklet, which has been published with money donated anonymously, is Dr Hezron Mc’Obewa, who now lives and works in Africa but who has the closest of links with this Island.

The sale of his life story will raise much-needed funds for the work among the orphans but it will also throw light on the way in which a promising young man’s education – to a high but very practical level – was made possible thanks to the kindness and concern of Islanders.

His early education in Kenya was funded by an Islander, Lt-Cdr Peter Gibaut, of Bel Royal. But before going on to read medicine at the University of Nottingham, the young Hezron Mc’Obewa studied for his A-levels at Victoria College. This was possible because of an exchange programme run by the World Jersey Cattle Bureau, a body with many contacts in Kenya.

While in Jersey the future Dr Mc’Obewa stayed at Anne Perchard’s farm in Trinity. Besides making many friends – many of whom contributed to a charity set up to fund his college studies – he proved to be a very able student, winning the Queen’s Gold Medal for science.

In any circumstances the publication of an account of Dr Mc’Obewa’s progress from the small village of Ombeyi to the leading position in an aid organisation would be significant. That it is part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Overseas Aid in Jersey makes it even more so.

The booklet is not only a story about personal achievement and the efforts of those who helped to make that achievement possible, but is also a reminder of the way in which this Island looks out towards less fortunate communities and offers them assistance.

Large numbers of Islanders involve themselves personally in Overseas Aid projects or in the fundraising to facilitate them. Even more dip willingly into their pockets when asked to do so, ensuring that Jersey’s reputation for great generosity persists and, far more importantly, a huge range of worthwhile causes are supported.