Ayr pupils are to lend a hand in Malawi

May 1 2009

STAFF and pupils from Belmont Academy will travel to Africa to work with children living in poverty.

They’ll work at the Chisomo Children’s Club and at Namatapa school in Malawi during the two-week visit.

The school has been providing support to the club and the school for the past three years.

Nathan Gilmour from the biology department will lead the team of eight pupils and three members of staff.

They’ll help out with craft activities, DIY and classroom work.

Mr Gilmour has spent months working on the aptly named Malawi An’ A’ That initiative, raising money to buy materials and educational tools for the school and to subsidise the cost of the trip.

And the latest fundraiser is a football match where teachers and pupils will take on a team from Strathclyde Police.

The big game will take place at Somerset Park on Wednesday, May 6, at 6pm. Tickets cost £3 and there’s also a chance to win prizes at the half-time raffle.

Mr Gilmour said: “In the interest of such a great cause, the Belmont team hopes for a big crowd of supporters and invites everyone to join them for what should be a whole load of fun.”

And Belmont’s campus cop PC Claire Jack, who has been instrumental in setting up the match, added: “As campus police officer at Belmont Academy for the last year, I have observed firsthand the enthusiasm of these young people, working hard to make a difference to children who are not as fortunate as ourselves.

“Everyone taking part in this event from the school to the police are eagerly anticipating the football match.

“It will not only be a popular fundraiser, it will show the human side of the police and teachers, enjoying a bit of fun.

“The final result, the trip to Malawi, will certainly not be a holiday for our Malawi team.

“The duties involved will be working morning to night providing educational resources, DIY, painting and decorating etc.

“It will be a cultural experience they will hold with them for the rest of their days and an invaluable input for the young people of Blantyre, Malawi.

“I’m proud to be part of the Malawi initiative, proud of our young people, and we invite the people of Ayrshire to come along and join the fun.”