February 24
Hello everyone!
In a recent blog, I mentioned a growing feeling that I want
to give back to Malawi, a country which has given me so many unique and
wonderful experiences so far. Many in this country already go above and beyond
to improve the lives of Malawians, giving them hope for their future.
Planting trees at Banda Hill School |
Our friend Michelle runs a charity called Inspire Malawi, which she established
in 2003. Its main aim is to provide a more inspiring learning environment so
that children want to – and do – gain a good education.
Click on the link above to see what Inspire Malawi do |
A beautiful setting for a school playground |
We spent a morning volunteering by planting trees and hedges
at Banda Hill School, just before the large town of Dedza. The school, which
currently has a roll of 438, has had help from Inspire Malawi and our own
school in the past – the wall displays were created by some of the children I taught
last year, who are now in Year 6.
The old school building is that ramshackle hut on the right - Inspire Malawi have helped build the two new blocks on the left |
Each new school block cost between £11,000 and £14,000 in total |
They also have a permaculture garden, which is a valuable
source of income and diversity at a time when the lack of rain is going to put
severe strain on families throughout the coming year. This money is important when you
consider that a school is provided 50,000MWK (£50) per term to acquire stationery
and books for all pupils.
Children from the local community planting trees |
Apparently only 1/5 of the trees will grow - Hannah hopes 'Twiggy' will be successful! |
It was heartening to see so many people from the local community
being actively involved, making the action sustainable in the longer term. It certainly
wasn’t a case of foreigners coming in and dictating what is done. The local
chiefs requested certain trees and explained to us where they wanted them
planted.
Working together to plant the hedgerow |
After getting our hands dirty, we visited the village of Mlanda,
about 20 minutes south of the school. In between two areas we’ve already
visited in Dedza and Lizulu, it is a lovely area of Malawi. Situated high above
sea level and along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, the contrast between
lush greens and stony greys makes for a spectacular sight. The low cloud
enveloping the stone, circular houses evoked images of Gorillas in the Mist and
Jurassic Park.
Maize crops stand tall at this time of year |
Mlanda is about an 80 minute drive from Lilongwe |
The low clouds create a mysterious aura |
We hiked up a trail to one of the rocks which has some very
old rock art on its underside. Michelle told us that UNESCO are yet to document
this particular site.
Look closely and you'll see the Sun... |
The site is unprotected from human intervention |
Climbing on the top of the rock also brought its own
rewards.
An incredible view from one of the higher rocks |
Taking a well-earned breather |
It is amazing to see how a gesture which may seem so small
to us, such as planting trees and hedges or painting a classroom, can make such
a positive impact. An inspiring morning which made me appreciate how lucky I am
and reminded me of the importance of productive volunteering in this part of
the world.
Love you all
Matt
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