A tonne of help for Malawi

Pupils sold more than a tonne of Kilombero rice as part of a special challenge – generating enough proceeds to send 13 children in Malawi to secondary school for a year.

Millersneuk Primary School in Lenzie shifted an incredible 1,235kg of Malawi Kilombero rice from Just Trading Scotland as part of the 90kg Rice Challenge – believed to be a record for a single school since the initiative began six years ago.

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Well done to everyone at Millersneuk Primary for their fantastic efforts as part of the 90kg Rice Challenge.

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“Not only is it one of the largest – if not the largest - amount sold by any single primary school in the history of the 90kg Rice Challenge, it helps to support the education of a significant number of children in Malawi. That’s an amazing achievement.

“Congratulations to all the schools in East Dunbartonshire who took part in the challenge.”

Millersneuk’s head teacher Greg Caldow thanked pupils, parents, colleagues and friends for their sterling efforts. Just Trading Scotland’s John Riches said: “This is mind-blowingly good. No one school has ever approached this kind of total. It will send a huge message of encouragement to farmers in Malawi.’’ Meanwhile, a new recipe book is now available – bursting with mouth-watering recipes harvested from local nurseries and Fairtrade Town groups in Lenzie, Bearsden and Milngavie.

A total of 1,000 copies have been printed of ‘Our Fair Trade Recipe Book’.

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The book retails at just £2 – with more than £1 from every sale going directly to supporting children in a developing country.

“The appetite for Fair Trade locally is inspirational,” said Councillor Geekie, who wrote the foreword for the book.

She added: “More and more people and groups are realising the benefits of paying a fair price for excellent quality food, drink and goods - locally, nationally and internationally.’’

The book is available from local Fair Trade groups, Billington’s in Lenzie, The Coach House in Balmore and some nurseries and churches.