Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Pupils make pals for life in Malawi
Emotional and honoured St Margaret’s High pupils travelled to Malawi to help change the lives of their “brothers and sisters” in the African country.
The humble group took vital resources to local children, including information and communication technology equipment, food supplies, medical aid, clothing, sanitary products, education resources, uniforms and sports equipment.
The visit has become an annual event at the Airdrie secondary school, thanks to the non-stop fundraising efforts of pupils and their families, staff and other local schools.
A St Mar ga re t ’ s High spokesperson said “This year’s trip saw our pupils provide a nursery uniform for every child; the children who attend the nursery will be fed and cared for.
“The group visited the Graxia store that sells products made by prisoners in Malawi, with the profit used to provide vital resources.
“They also once again met with Sister Anna Tomassi, a missionary nun who offers ex- prisoners various opportunities to rebuild their lives upon release.”
The spokesperson added: “Father Lockhart, of St Monica’s Parish Church, donated £1100 to the Malawi project, £400 of which paid to feed and provide medical aid and clothing for the disabled camp.
“And St Monica’s Primary paid £400 towards the disabled camp to allow the Malawian children to be fed for a month and seen by doctors.
“We’d like to thank them, our pupils’ families and everyone who attended or supported our fundraiser events throughout the course of the year.”
The St Margaret’s High students were accompanied on their trip by head teacher Stephen Snee, teachers Andrew McKay, Father Ian Bathgate, Robert Yuill and Charlene Swanson, additional support needs assistant Catherine McNee and Jennifer Flannigan, head teacher at St Andrew’s Primary in Airdrie.
One of the pupils involved in the trip said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make our trip to Malawi possible with your kind donations over the last year.
“It was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had and I’m thankful to have shared my experience with such a great group of people; I can honestly say that I have made friends for life.”