Jack McConnell Learns of Tullibody's Malawi Partnership
Published on:
04
June 2008
Former First Minister Jack McConnell MSP is to visit a Tullibody primary school to meet the caring pupils who have raised thousands of pounds to help improve the life of their peers in Malawi.
St Bernadette's RC Primary School first established a link with Nankhwala Catholic School in Monkey Bay three years ago after being visited by Father Titus Bayani. The priest, who was holidaying in Scotland, spoke to St Bernadette's pupils about his life growing up in Malawi, his schooldays and what inspired him to become a priest.
Headteacher Chris McMonagle was moved to 'adopt' Nankhwala and over the past two years the pupils have raised £1500 through sponsored obstacle races.
In return Fr Bayani has written regularly to the school and sent photographs of the refurbished school and kitchen - work carried out thanks to the fundraising efforts of St Bernadettes.
Nankhwala has over 1000 pupils who are taught by just 6 teachers with 5 helpers. The classrooms have dirt floors, no desks and very few text books.
This year during Lent the Tullibody pupils held a fundraising 'Mile Marathon' - each running four circuits of the school's football pitch. One class also organised a cafe selling healthy food which they sold to their fellow pupils.
St Bernadette's has only 75 pupils, but their fundraising efforts raised an impressive £1100 - equivalent to almost £15 per pupil.
The cheque will be presented to Mr McConnell, who will be the next British High Commissioner to Malawi, at 10am on Thursday 12th June. You are invited to send a photographer.
Mr McMonagle said: "I was very pleased when we raised £750, so to have raised £1100 this year is fantastic. Father Bayani's visit has helped to increase the children's awareness of the poverty in Malawi and they have been able to see how their fundraising efforts can make a huge difference. It has also made us all realise how fortunate we are. I am delighted by our pupils efforts."
During his years as First Minister, Jack McConnell forged close links with Malawi, building up a Scottish Executive-led aid programme there. He visited the nation in May 2005 and saw schools and hospitals struggling to cope with the nation's poverty, corruption and the HIV and AIDs problem.
Last year the Prime Minister nominated Mr McConnell as the next British High Commissioner to Malawi in 2009, in recognition of his close personal interest in the impoverished African state.
Councillor George Matchett, Portfolio Holder for Inclusion, said: "This partnership is a fantastic initiative which is helping our pupils to develop positive attitudes and values and build awareness of global issues. I am delighted that Mr McConnell is able to come and hear about how pupils in both countries are gaining from this link. The whole school community appears to have rallied round to support this good cause."
Notes to Editor
1. Malawi is the world's 10th poorest country
2. Scotland's historical links to the country date back more than 150 years to the time of David Livingstone, the missionary and explorer
3. The average income in Malawi is around $160 per year - 170 times less than the average Scot
4. More then one million of the 12 million population suffer from HIV/AIDs and the average life expectancy is 48 years
5. Malawi introduced free universal primary education nine years ago, but a shortage of properly trained teachers means the system struggles to cope.