This was our sixth consignment in only five years. An enormous amount of aid has now been sent to Malawi. We have calculated that at least seven thousand children are experiencing an improved standard of life thanks to our Twinning project.
This project receives a lot of help from many companies, schools and individuals. They give their time and skills, workspaces, transportation and many different types of equipment, which can only be dreamt of in Malawi.
The lorry was loaded with 253 cartons on Friday March 21st by over 20 parishioners. It was taken to Birmingham the following morning by Brian Wilkins, Anthony Halter and Tim Manlow. They loaded the cartons onto the Container, ready for shipment to Malawi. They left at 05:30 and didn’t arrive home until 19:30, so it was a very long day.
This is what we have sent this year:
Computers – These are vital in the education of the children. We have sent to four parishes a junior seminary and a secondary school. The parish priests need them for computer workshops, for those youngsters who are unemployed or have been unable to obtain a place at a secondary school. The schools have very few computers which have to be restricted to their older students. These additional ones will ease the strain and give students more time to learn computer skills.
Printers – We have been able to send only four this year but these are in addition to those sent in previous years. Two have gone to the parish priests who need them most. The schools need them for printing off various study and exam papers, plus administration documents. Prior to having printers they would have needed to use the services of outside companies to print off these documents. They now save on costs by producing their own.
IT Accessories – We have put together packs of accessories for computers and printers. The packs include Ink Cartridges, USB Memory sticks, blank DVDs, Gangs of four power sockets and anti-surge equipment. The electricity supply in Malawi is unpredictable and computers can be damaged beyond repair if not protected.
Sewing Machines – We have sent many of these over previous years and they continue to be requested. The families in the parish communities cannot afford to buy clothes or other linens/materials. Many charities supply second hand clothing and with their sewing machines the people can repair or adjust sizes of items. They can also take in work to earn a little money.
Paper – This is A4 white paper as used in printers. We have a supplier who provides this to us free of charge. Paper is like gold dust in Malawi communities and, when we started our twinning in 2001, we learnt that school children just did not have paper on which to write.
School Materials – These packs contain everything a student needs in the classroom: pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and various other items. We’ve also sent equipment for the senior students to use in science studies.
Toys & Books – A carton load of these has gone to each of the the two parishes which have a playgroup. One of these – Chiringa – will be receiving a special parcel of Christmas presents for the children. These were given by the children of our own St Margaret’s Nursery School.
Household Items – These cartons are packed with numerous items for the people in the communities; from gardening to kitchen tools – from household linens to men’s, women’s and children’s clothes and shoes.
Medical Items – We have put together a carton for each parish containing non-prescription items such as bandages, plasters and simple medications.
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