MP David Mundell builds bridges in Malawi

Just a wee taste of his trip...This was my first visit to Malawi which, although a country of great beauty and fertile landscape, still sees too many of its citizens suffering from grinding poverty, and lack of education and basic health facilities.

The highlight was the opportunity to visit Thawale Primary School which is linked with my own old school, Lockerbie Academy, and also to see in action the charity Mary’s Meals, which many people and churches in my constituency support.

Lockerbie pupils fundraised for a Mary’s Meals Kitchen to be built at the school so a feeding programme could be run there that ensures children have at least one good meal a day. They are served a form of fortified hot porridge prepared by local volunteers.

It isn’t sweet enough to meet my sweet-tooth requirements, but it was probably better for me than the honey I pour over my porridge!

The message from Thawale School is that people back in Scotland can make a real difference to people in Malawi – simply by the twinning of schools and the fundraising for Mary’s Meals.

For the full report, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette.