St. Peter's Primary Open Day

St. Peter's Primary Open day was a lovely event.  The pupils spoke very well on various topics including health, agriculture, biology and equality.  I particularly like hearing about the different soil types and being given the opportunity to see and touch the soils.

Presentations in the school library to invited guests

Once again I was taken aback at how well the children dance and the great sense of rhythm they all have.  Each class danced to their chosen music; my favourite was watching the Standard One pupils. The dramas tackling local issues were also excellent.

There was a prizegiving ceremony where individual pupils were recognised and then every teacher received a large red storage bucket which you can keep maize or water in, for their commitment to the school.

St. Peter's Secondary Graduation Day

We were invited to join St. Peter's Form 4 students on their graduation day.  There was a full programme.  The day began with Mass at the Cathedral around 8.30a.m. During the Mass Fr. Nkunika blessed the writing materials the students will use at their final exams this week. Blair who was part of the Malawian Student Group in Scotland wore his St. Matthew's tie f.or the occasion

Blessing of writing implements

After Mass, we walked to the Hall to listen to the speeches from the various invited guests, including the Inspector of Secondary Schools and Fr. Nkunika, the Chaplain. Various activities were presented by the students to entertain us; the dramas created much hilarity.  Next there was the prizegiving recognising several individuals - each received a special cup.  Every student was also presented with a certificate to mark completing their 4 years of secondary education.

Presentation of certificate

Modelling traditional dress

We were served a delicious lunch consisting of rice, chicken or beef and vegetables.  The day ended with dancing to the local music.

Visit to Bowe

We decided to drive south to Lilongwe, 380km away.  On the way we stopped at Bowe to meet with Fr. Joseph a missionary priest from Nigeria.  Fortunately Bowe is situated just off the main road so it was fine for our little car.  Fr. Joseph showed us around. We visited the local primary school with around 900 pupils, which is considered small.  I was impressed to see boys and girls playing a netball match together. We toured the Technical College which is now deserted; it has been closed for 2 years due to lack of funds.  However, Fr. Joseph is hopeful that with some support it could be reopened. Sadly the clinic which helped many people in the are is also closed so now people have to travel a distance to Kasungu.

Fr. Joseph has been looking at different ways to bring in some income to the Parish.  Recently he purchased one day old chicks so that he will eventually be able to sell their eggs.  We found this funny because Fr. Joseph does not like eggs. More surprisingly we saw our first turkeys here.

Standard 6

Part of the Technical College

New friends

Chicks

Turkey

Fr. Joseph

Inside one of the the technical classroms

Lunyangwa Girls' Open Day

We attended Lunyangwa Primary's Open Day recently.  Surprising it was a very cold day here; we had to put on a jumper.  There was even a very heavy downpour making the ground muddy.  This did not stop the girls from presenting the programme of activities or dampen the happy atmosphere. I particularly liked the explanation and demonstration of "hand washing" which is vital to prevent illness.  There were various learning stations; number, agriculture, nutrition and science.  The learners also participate in a spelling competition, debate, poetry recitation, dancing and singing.

Showing the various types of greens

Traditional dance

Local Councillor joining in the dancing

Later there was an an award ceremony where learners were given pencils and exercise jotters.  Certain teachers received recognition for their contribution to the school and they were presented with a large, plastic bin which is used for storing water or flour.  The rounded off with a learner versus teachers Netball Match.

Presentation of awards

Development of Maize Garden

Good news! Due to the kindness of SSVP friends in Scotland, the maize garden will be extended; double in size.  Here the SVDP members have formulated the plan within the budget and very soon they will start by making the ridges.  At the next planting we intend to plant some beans also and we pray the weather conditions will nurture them. The food from the gardens will enable the SVDP to stretch out to many more needy people in the community.  At the same time they will take steps to become self sufficient. Everyone is very excited about this project.

Paul with 3 SVDP members

View from the bottom of the garden, looking uphill

Maize Harvest

Recently we were harvesting some of the maize crop in the garden which is a joint venture with members of SVDP here in Mzuzu and friends in Scotland.  The maize is for the needy in the Parish. The intention is for the SVDP to be able to manage in this on their own eventually; sustainability. We had a wonderful morning at the garden (we would refer to it as a field).  By the time we arrived the volunteers had picked many of the cobs; they worked swiftly.  We tried but we were slow to get the cob free from the stalk and leaves.  Due to the weather conditions, initially good sunshine then a tremendous amount of rain some of the cobs were destroyed.  However, it appears the yield was 75% so we fared better than expected.  The cobs will be shelled then taken to the maize mill to be ground into flour.  The flour will be distributed to the needy over several months, however we are aware that people will still face hardship in the months to come.

Heading down to the maize garden

Good maize

Harvesting

Carrying the maize uphill

Maize collected to be died and shelled