BOOST TO LINKS BETWEEN EAST AYRSHIRE AND MALAWI

Links between schools in East Ayrshire and schools in Malawi have been given a boost, following a visit to Malawi by Lainshaw Primary school Headteacher Jean Keenan.

A team of teachers from across East Ayrshire will now work towards establishing closer links between the two regions - including the development of materials for pre-school, primary and secondary school children - to raise awareness of the poverty faced by children in Malawi, with the promotion of issues around Fair-Trade.

The group will also investigate the possibility of inviting the head of the Malawian charity Chismoso Club to identify ways in which links can be strengthened and it is hoped that plans can be put in place to encourage school personnel to join one of the twice yearly study visits to Malawi organised by the British Council.

Councillor Iain Linton, spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “ We are delighted to be encouraging links between East Ayrshire schools and schools in Malawi. It is very important that our school children are aware of the difficulties, needs and challenges facing children in Malawi. This new team of teachers will work to encourage this.

“Local schools will be invited to donate a proportion of their funds raised in this school session to charities operating in Malawi and we also have a container of gifts with school materials being shipped out in the coming weeks.”