A Grantham IT analyst has swapped computer care for building bus stations in Borneo.

Michael Taggart, a Senior IT Analyst at specialist IT support and networking firm Datcom, recently jetted off to Borneo with The King’s School where he works as the on-site technical support and even got the chance to get up close and personal with some orangutans!

Michael explained: “The 28 students’ efforts to fund the trip over the last two years were put in danger when one of the three required members of staff broke their ankle. Luckily I was able to step in to lend a hand as they needed a certain number of volunteers to help.”

The team began their four-week journey in the Sabah state of Malaysia staying in a traditional tribal longhouse. Their task was to build an extension of the village’s kindergarten school and lay the foundations for a playground.

Michael said: “One of the first real challenges was a five-day trek through the central jungle. Getting back to nature in the rainforest meant carrying our supplies, water, food and shelter during daily treks as well as setting up camp, starting fires, making wildlife traps and cooking dinners from scratch.

“Thankfully, we were offered a bit of rest and recuperation with a two-day stay at a Sabah tea plantation and visits to local hot springs.”
Conservation of the rainforest was another task undertaken by the team, who were rewarded with a boat ride down the Kitabatangan River which gave them the chance to explore an enclosed part of the Borneo rainforest.

Michael added: “The opportunity to interact closely with the endangered animals at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was a highlight for all of us.

“After that we were welcomed back into central Sabah where we built four bus stops, four concrete drainage systems and various murals across both the kindergarten and the main school. Despite only having four days to complete the work the schools seemed really impressed with the team’s work.

“I would go as far to say that it was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve met and got to know a great group of people and done some really satisfying work to help local communities. I feel like I’ve actually managed to make a difference in the world.”

Peter Kirkbride, Bursar and Director of Resources at The King’s School, said the school was delighted to welcome Michael on board the trip.

He added: “In the two years since we started working with Datcom, the working relationship has deepened and Michael’s ‎involvement is a great demonstration of how the school and embedded contractors can work together seamlessly.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:
• Datcom are a professional IT company accredited with multiple high level qualifications from the largest and most respected vendors and industry standard bodies.
• Established in 2011, Datcom is based in Grantham but also has an office in Lincoln.
• Datcom currently employ 23 people.
• Datcom offer a wide range of IT services, from basic support through to the very best in cyber security.
• For more information, visit: www.datcom.co.uk

For media information please contact:
Mike Shields
Shooting Star
01522 528540
mike@weareshootingstar.co.uk
[Datcom04Borneo]