High Commissioner of Malawi visits West Lothian town

Nov 19 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

PUPILS of Boghall Primary had a special guest last week when the High Commissioner for Malawi paid them a visit.

Dr Francis Moto came to the school to thank Allan Prentice, from the Auld Alliance Bike Ride, who had raised £3000 for the Mamie Martin Fund, which helps educate girls in Malawi.

The cheque was collected by Dr Jack Thompson, director of the Scotland Malawi Partnership, on behalf of the charity.

The money was raised through a cycle ride from Edinburgh to Paris, which West Lothian Council has agreed to sponsor for three years.

Cyclists rode from Edinburgh to Rosyth where they caught the ferry to Zeebrugge before completing the 240 mile trip to the French capital.

Boghall Primary was chosen as the venue because of its close links with Nthula Primary School in the Dedza district of Malawi.

Teacher Lee Buchanan visited the area in 2007 and taught at the school for several weeks as part of the Link Community Development programme.

Since her visit she has worked with pupils at Boghall to develop links with pupils at the Malawian primary.

The High Commissioner met with P7 pupils Ailsa McAlpine and Megan Barr, who are on the pupil council, along with Adam Hepburn (P4) and Emily Lynch (P6), both on the school’s health committee.

Allan Prentice, Auld Alliance Charity Bike Ride organiser, said: “I’m thrilled to present the cheque for £3000 for the Mamie Martin Fund.

“We are delighted to support the Mamie Martin Fund which enables girls to be educated in Malawi and we are honoured that the High Commissioner has been able to visit Boghall Primary School and collect the cheque on behalf of the charity.

“Our yearly event provides an opportunity to encourage cycling, promote tourism and raise much needed funds for good causes. It is a great adventure.”

Dr Moto, who himself was educated at Mtendere Junior Grade in the Dedza district, added: “The cash will allow 18 girls to receive an education for a year.

“The cyclists and their supporters can be proud of their achievement and the real difference that the money will bring in Malawi.

“I have said elsewhere that a nation that does not educate its youth is on the wrong path.

“It is also a great pleasure to visit Boghall Primary School and find out first hand what the pupils and staff are doing.

“I would like to congratulate them on being recognised with the International School Award.

“The Malawian Government is appreciative of all the work the council, staff and pupils are doing for the people of our country.”