Youngsters gearing up for another Dzenza mission

Charitable Pa i s l ey schoolkids are building strong foundations with poverty-stricken African children.

Pupils from Gleniffer High are set to return to Malawi this year to help children at Dzenza Primary.

The big-hearted Buddies have been making trips to the school since 2007 to help with major refurbishments.

Malawi project leader at Gleniffer, Sarah Aitken told the Express the work the kids will carry out during this year’s expedition will make a real difference.

“This partnership has seen our pupils raising much-needed funds for Dzenza, while both schools learn about each other’s cultures,” Sarah said.

“Previous trips to Malawi in 2014 and 2016 saw kids refurbish nine classroom blocks and build toilet blocks.

“It’s fantastic to see the Dzenza children having better access to education and the ability to achieve their full potential in life, thanks to projects delivered by the partnership.”

Statistics from Dzenza show that attendance rates at the school have risen significantly over the years.

Gleniffer High pupil Grace Ferguson is part of the Malawi 2018 expedition team.

She explained that the group had organised various fundraising events to raise awareness of the dire situation in Malawi.

“So far, we have raised more than £20,000 for people in need,” Grace said.

“Our partnership with Dzenza Primary is like no other in Renfrewshire because it’s not just a partnership — it’s a genuine friendship.”

Renfrewshire Council’s education and children’s services convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “These students exemplify the saying that anything is achievable.

“The amount of effort, passion and commitment the team has for this project is outstanding.

“They have shown us we aren’t just a small community — we are part of a global community.”