3 Schools, 2 Continents, 1 Goal.

Ian Mitchell, Youth and Schools Officer for the Scotland-Malawi Partnership, delivered an inspiring presentation to the Rotary Club of West Fife detailing the educational partnership between Scottish schools (Beath High School and Armadale Academy) and two Malawian primary schools (Mapanga PS and Njale PS). His presentation, entitled "Three Schools, Two Continents and One Goal," highlighted a decade-long commitment to improving educational opportunities for children in both countries.

Background and Origins

The partnership began in 2012 when Ian transferred from Lochgelly to Beath High School. A spontaneous decision to join a planned 2016 trip to Malawi, after another participant withdrew, led to what he describes as "one of the best decisions I've ever made." 

The Malawi Connection

Ian emphasised the profound historical links between Scotland and Malawi, noting that the northern region of Malawi is called Livingstonia, and Blantyre (where Chileka airport is located) is named after David Livingstone's birthplace in Lanarkshire. However, he expressed concern that none of the 17 Scottish students on the 2016 trip had ever heard of Livingstone, despite his revered status in Malawi.

Malawi, known as "the warm heart of Africa" for its welcoming people rather than its climate, consistently ranks among the world's 10-15 poorest countries. Despite this economic hardship, Ian praised the extraordinary generosity and warmth of the Malawian people.
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Educational Challenges in Malawi

Ian provided detailed insights into the Malawian education system, highlighting significant challenges:

Primary Education:
- Free since 1994, but infrastructure hasn't improved to match demand
- Schools originally built for fee-paying students now accommodate all children
- Classes are enormous with students sitting on floors due to lack of furniture
- Limited resources: one textbook per teacher, notebooks shared among 4-5 students
- No IT facilities until recently

Academic Structure:
- Students must pass exams to progress from each standard (grade) to the next
- Chichewa is the native language of instruction
- Age ranges vary significantly, with 16-20 year olds common in primary school
- Secondary education requires passing a leaving certificate exam

Financial Barriers:

- Secondary school fees range from £20-120 per term
- Agricultural workers earn approximately £500 annually
- 30% inflation exacerbates financial pressures
- These costs represent a substantial portion of family income

Partnership Activities and Impact

Initial Exchange (2016):

The partnership began with two Malawian teachers visiting Beath High School for a week, participating in classes, attending cultural events including theatre and rugby at Murrayfield, and building lasting relationships that continue today.

Infrastructure Improvements:
- Recently funded electricity connection at Mapanga Primary School
- Currently financing new pit latrines and hand-washing facilities for 1,200-1,300 students who previously had no toilet facilities
- These basic improvements are crucial for health and disease prevention

Educational Support:

- Distribution of classroom materials including markers, pens, and pencils
- Provision of exercise books (jotters) in schools where sharing is common
- Musical education through 50 recorders successfully transported through customs
- Award system using Scottish button badges for academic achievement
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Addressing Gender Inequality:

Ian Mitchell highlighted significant gender disparities in Malawian education, particularly affecting girls during puberty who must sit on cold floors. The partnership has delivered approximately 5,000 pairs of girls' underwear over multiple trips, providing many girls with their first undergarments. This seemingly basic provision has had profound impact, with recipients displaying overwhelming joy and gratitude.

Cultural Learning:

Students participated in "a day in the life" experiences, with girls learning traditional tasks including food gathering, market bartering, and water carrying. Ian noted the difficulty of observing gender-based restrictions that prevented him from helping due to his status as both a guest and a male visitor.

Evolution and Sustainability

The partnership has evolved significantly since 2016, adapting to modern technology and global challenges:

Technology Integration:
- Zoom meetings now connect Scottish and Malawian students directly
- Virtual exchanges complement physical visits
- Technology bridges gaps created by COVID-19 restrictions

Balanced Approach:
- Annual spending of approximately £800 per Malawian school ensures equal treatment - Partnership philosophy emphasises working "with" rather than "for" the schools
- Increasing responsibility transferred to Malawian partners over time

Ongoing Commitment

Ian's dedication extends beyond his teaching retirement. He now serves as Youth and Schools Officer for the Scotland-Malawi Partnership three days per week, ensuring the continuation and expansion of these vital educational connections.

The partnership has maintained momentum through multiple visits (2016, 2018, 2019, and recently in 2024), with smaller but equally enthusiastic groups continuing to strengthen bonds between the schools.

Ian's presentation demonstrated how individual initiative can create lasting international partnerships that benefit students on both continents. The "one goal" of better education for all youngsters - whether at Beath High School, Mapanga Primary School, or Njale Primary School - represents a powerful example of global fellowship and educational cooperation.

The partnership shows how modest financial investments can create significant improvements in educational infrastructure and opportunities while fostering cultural understanding and personal gain for participants from both countries. Ian's work exemplifies the transformative power of education partnerships in creating lasting positive change across continents.