Schools have played an important part of making Open Arms Malawi what it is today, so we were delighted to have the chance to speak at assemblies for three schools this month.
First of all, we went to say thank you to the children of Wimbledon High School who held a Christmas fair to help raise funds for school fees in Malawi. Kate Mitchell, the Head of the Junior School, had visited Malawi with two of the teachers, and was very welcoming.
Schools in Malawi might have classes of 160 children and assemblies there would take place outside, we showed the junior children pictures of this to show how different it is for them. They especially loved the clip from an Open Arms nursery school of the children loudly reciting the months of the calendar, and joined in to say it along.
As only 26% of children in Malawi complete Primary School, starting education as early as possible is important. And giving children in our Foster Houses a good education means that one day they could be the teachers and nurses that Malawi needs.
The second school was Royal Alexandra and Albert just south of London. Our connection there goes back to 2006 when Benny Jones, then Deputy Head, looked for a charity that connected well with their mission. The school grounds are amazing, set in parkland, and you can see the history of royal patronage in the classic Gatton Hall. Yet this is a place that started as an orphanage and provides opportunities for children from all walks of life.
The school is preparing for their first trip to Malawi, and the morning was spent meeting students who don’t yet know what to expect, and teachers who have been to Africa and loved their experiences. The caterer was especially excited about cooking a meal in a village, so the students could go to the market for massive pots and fresh vegetables. We know some children in Malawi who would love to join in!
The third school was Richmond House School. In the run up to Valentine’s Day, children bought love hearts so they can write special messages, and the funds raised are going to the children of our own Richmond House in Malawi.
Richmond House School raised the funds to purchase the house in 2006, providing a permanent home and family environment for children who did not have relatives to return to.
The assembly finished with a short film where Nelifa, who has lived in Richmond House for ten years, introduces herself and foster family, and gives a little tour of her home.
Headteacher Helen Stiles said the children were fascinated by the film, and the connection with Richmond House was particularly valuable: seeing the picture previous pupils had made proudly displayed in the living room, and the school plaque on their wall.
Open Arms Malawi is grateful to all the pupils, teachers and parents who share some of their time and money to make our work possible. Every little bit helps us to give children in Malawi a good start in life, and we love the opportunity to tell the stories of why this is so important and to say thank you.
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