Vicky's Trip to Malawi - Summer 2006

This summer, Vicky Bayliss (Chair of Trustees) and Anna Chesher, (Trustee), went to Malawi to carry out various small projects and planning for the main project, to build two classrooms and a library in 2007.

•  As last year, the Standard 8 boys were fed and supported whilst boarding at the school during the annual intensive revision camp in the lead up to their final primary examinations. This year there were 58 boys, aged between 12 and 18, so lots of big appetites, as many of you will appreciate. The boys had contributed their own ‘nsima and nyemba' (their staple maize meal and beans) they had also contributed a little money for the headmaster to buy vegetables once a week. Build Up St. Anthony's provided 2 meals a week of either eggs or fish and beef stew and rice on Sundays.

•  At the beginning of the new term in August, over 7000 exercise books were distributed in both the girls' and the boys' primary schools at St. Anthony's. Exercise books, which are supposed to be provided by the government, have not materialized in the last couple of years and most children cannot afford to buy them themselves.

•  In preparation for the building project next year, permission was gained to begin building in March and meetings were held with builders to discuss time-scales and costs.

•  Discussions took place with teachers, head-teachers and priests to find solutions to local problems, for example vandalism of village water supplies and devising ways to enable them to support themselves over the long term.

So that was this year's trip. Thank you to all those who have already supported us, it really does make a difference to the lives of the young children in Malawi . There is still much more that needs to be done, which means that BUSA's focus is now on fund-raising.