Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, and there are simply not enough schools to cater for every child. In 2009 children living in Chilangani were walking for miles every day in order to reach the closest primary school. As a result many students dropped out of school early.But thanks to Hurstpierpoint College life has improved for everyone in the community of Chilangani over the last five years. This long term partnership has seen three groups of volunteers from the school travel out to Malawi with Inspire Worldwide and each group has built a either one or two classrooms. Chilangani now has enough classrooms to offer the first 6 years of Primary education. And last year, a £1,000 donation enabled the school to purchase urgently needed text books to further improve teaching at this rural school.
Since the partnership began in 2010 students have raised over £25,000 to make this school a reality and 2015 will see another group head out to this impoverished community and build another classroom at the school - a truly incredible achievement.
The experience has been life changing and rewarding for children at both schools. Vulnerable children living in this impoverished rural community are now able to get an education, which will help them work themselves and their families out of poverty and students from Hurstpierpoint College, as their Headteacher put it, "The effect on our pupils was life changing. They returned undoubtedly wiser and, key, better people." We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the students, teachers, parents and trip leaders who have made this partnership such a success.
To find out more about group volunteer opportunities with Joshua, click here.
