Perthshire teens raise cash for trip to Malawi

Mar 9 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

EAST Perthshire teenagers are turning to generous locals to help them fund a summer African adventure.

Thirteen pupils from Blairgowrie High are set to help build a school in Malawi as part of their on-going Global Issues project.

As well as the June construction work, they will be teaching English and presiding over other activities with the 100-or-so pupils at Geisha Primary School.

Fifth-year pupil Chris Ewins (16) said he hopes the 16-day east African expedition will encourage the group to become more aware of the wider world.

The level-headed Coupar Angus resident said: “We’ve been raising money to give to Malawi for quite a while.

“Going out there will give us a chance to see first-hand what the funds are going towards.

“When we were told about the possibility of the trip at an assembly I thought it was a chance that couldn’t be missed.

“I’m looking forward to learning new skills and experiencing a new culture.

“It’s been great getting to know the others that are going on the trip too. I’m really looking forward to it – it’s the type of thing you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

A charity ceilidh will be held in Kirkmichael village hall on March 13 to help finance the journey.

A whole host of traditional dances, as well as a disco, are set to take place from 8pm.

Tickets priced £3 each can be purchased from Chris on 01828 627 031. Anyone attending should bring their own drinks and nibbles.

The group need to raise in excess of £15,000 to cover travel expenses and a donation to the Malawian community.

A delegation from the Big County school visited the same region two years ago as part of the scheme.

Scottish ties with Malawi date back to David Livingstone’s exploration around the region approximately 150 years ago.

In 2005, the Scottish Government signed an agreement with Malawian Premier Dr Bingu wan Mutharika.

It has resulted in the swapping of skills and economic measures between the two countries.