Photos of St. Peter's Primary

Some pupils in Standard 5 were asked to respond to a questionnaire from pupils in Aberdeen, Scotland who were carrying out a comparative study of education in class. Ten pupils were chosen to come along to the school library to give responses, read the email sent by the Scottish pupils and view photos of their school.

Two pupils then took responsibility to take photos to send to Aberdeen (see below).

 The pupils enjoyed working in the school library which was a project funded by St. Mary's Primary in Largs several years ago.  It is a lovely working environment for small groups of pupils and staff.

 The pupils were proud to show off their class and photograph their teacher sitting at her desk at the front of the class.

 Pupils are delighted to have the Mary's Meals feeding station.on the left.  The classroom block on the right is for Standard One and Two pupils.

The water bucket is an important feature around the school giving pupils access to fresh water for hand washing and drinking.

Learning the Local Language

After our guests left and while the schools were on holiday we decided to learn Chitumbuka, the local language.  Unfortunately there are no books available in Chitumbuka because years ago the president declared Chichewa to be the national language therefore the language to be taught in schools as well as English. All the Chitumbuka books were tossed out. Many people here still speak Chitumbuka or a version of it.  However, we have been finding it difficult to pick up because you need to tune into the speaker.

In town we noticed a place by chance offering lessons in Chitumbuka so we booked in for 4 weeks which we later extended to 6 weeks.  We attended the place 4 mornings per week.  Lessons were enjoyable but not always easy.  We were even given homework!!

We particularly enjoyed going to Mr Ngwira's (our teacher) home to meet his father who is 96 years old and a former judge.  Our task was to prepare questions to ask him in Chitumbuka.  We had a very interesting morning and we learned a lot.  Mr Ngwira's wife had made a nice African cake for us to taste.

Mr Ngwira, our teacher (right) and his father.

Our second teacher, Mr Nyirenda took us to the local hardware market which was fun.  Once again we had to practise our language by bartering for a few goods.  We successfully managed to purchase a plunger for the shower and a wheel spanner for the car which we have just bought.  In addition we managed to purchase a few envelopes.

Mr Nyirenda, our teacher in class

The shop at the hardware market.

Our purchases

Letters from St. Mary's Largs

The penpal letters from Primary 5 at St. Mary's Primary, Largs were safely carried and delivered to the Standard 5 pupils in St. Peter's, Mzuzu.  The pupils were overjoyed to receive the beautifully typed letters and the many pictures.  In particular they were thrilled to see the photo of their Scottish penpal.

Once the pupils had read their own letter they shared it with their the rest of the pupils in the library. Several of them took a turn reading their letter aloud to all of us present. During the week, the penpals took turns to share their letter with the rest of the class.

Penpals in the afternoon shift.

Penpals in morning shift with Jennifer and Michael from St. Matthew's and Anne

Anne presents Mr Ghambi, Head Teacher with pencils.

The pupils are now looking forward to hearing how their penpal is enjoying Primary 6.

Open Day Celebrations

In July, near the end of the school term there was an Open Day Celebration at Lunyangwa Girls’ Stadium.  Many local primary schools came together to participate in a variety of activities (Katawa, St, Peter's, Lunyangwa Girls, Moyale, Marymount, Chipatula to name a few).  There was a spelling competition, various races, netball, volley ball, dancing displays, small dramas, verse speaking and debates.  It was a great day, full of fun.   

We particularly enjoyed the music and dancing from the boys in the audience in between the various activities. 

At the end of the day, there were awards given to some of the teaching staff from the different schools; a storage bucket and bowl.

Open Day at Katawa Primary

Just like Scotland, schools in Malawi have Open Days and special celebrations.  We were invited to Katawa Primary's "End of Term" Open Day.  Parents, school board members, family and friends of the children were all invited to attend.  It was interesting for us to see this celebration which was held in the Church.  Each class performed; singing a song, reciting a poem, acting out a play or having a debate.  After the entertainment, the Award Ceremony began.  Awards were given for good attendance, punctuality, cleanliness (in school uniform) and helpfulness. These awards were given to pupils in each class; pencils and jotters were presented to the individuals.

Next came the Academic Awards.  Everyone in the class was placed according to their performance and test results.  Pupils were called out in order to receive their gift.  Pupils who were first, second and third were presented with pencils and jotters while everyone else received a pencil. The class position is given right up to the last person in the class eg. 50, 60, even 70.  Can you imagine this happening in Scotland?

Many parents during the ceremony came forward to congratulate their child and give them a big hug and a gift; some received a large bag off Puffs, some a shiny wrapped gift box. A few of the girls in particular, appeared upset, even though they were awarded second, fourth and fifth.  Perhaps the previous session they had performed better.  Here in Malawi competition is seen as being healthy and a motivator to success.  For some of us now, it may seem harsh.  The event lasted around 2 hours 30 mins and I was extremely impressed by how well the pupils sat during this time.

"Hello Caledonia Primary"

“Monire” (hello) to everyone at Caledonia Primary School.  I wish you a very good year. 

Now an update on your partner school, Katawa Primary.  In July, there was great excitement in the school when Jennifer and I arrived at Katawa.  Your letters and gifts were well received by staff and pupils.  Everyone sends their thanks.  The Scottish tea towels are now displayed in the staffroom which is at the centre of the school and the shortbread enjoyed by many.  Pupils loved reading all the news from their pen friends.  

I could not believe in my eyes when I saw a new toilet block almost fully erected when I arrived at the school because I had only been in Scotland 6 weeks.  Prior to leaving, the foundations were not even laid.  The extension of the 2 classrooms has also been completed and they are being fully utilised this session.

Good Times

Our visitors enjoyed being here in Malawi.  We spent time around Mzuzu and we visited Nkhata Bay at the lake a couple of times.  We stayed at Nyjala Lodge on one of our visits where it was lovely to overlook Chikale beach which is sandy and to see the boys pulling the fishing nets to the shore in the evening as the sun sets over the water.

At Mary Martha Orphan Care Centre which is in the bush, Anne had a turn of pumping the water the borehole while the children looked on.  She also saw how the women cooked nsima and vegetables on the outdoor fires; a very smoky business.

At St. Peter’s Secondary School, despite being on holiday Michael posed a mathematical problem for one of the classes.  The student in the photo demonstrated how he solved the problem.

In Mzuzu, the internet and phone communications have been intermittent.  Jennifer, being a scientist was very keen to help us fix one of the mobiles which had fallen on the ground, using some silver foil to get the connection.

At St. John’s Hospital we visited the ward where the Scottish Thistle is painted on the wall (template made by Sophie Fulton, former student of St. Matthew’s Academy).