Renfrewshire Council

Lynne with local children "The trip to Malawi really was everything I expected and more. I knew it would be hot, and I knew the work would be physical, but I also thought it would be worth the effort. I'm glad to say I was right.

"The local people are very welcoming, and it was wonderful to meet so many different people. Most importantly, I felt like I was making a positive difference and I got to learn lots of practical skills like brick laying while I was there.

"I was a bit surprised to see how rural William Village is. There are dirt tracks instead of roads, no electricity and the locals get water from the village well. The local primary school has class sizes of over 70 pupils - a lot more than I'm used to in Renfrewshire!

"I got to meet some inspirational people including the local primary headteacher who I am still in contact with. We also visited a local orphanage (STEKA) where a man called Godknows and his wife Helen look after 65 homeless children. It was sad and heart-warming at the same time.

"I hope to go back next year, all being well. It would be wonderful to see how everything is coming along. We managed to send reading books to Malawi during the pandemic and I'm hoping to deliver some of them to Renfrew Kanyeteza Primary in William Village myself if I can."

If Lynne's story inspired you, why not consider taking part in the 2023 trip? You can find out everything you need to know to get started here.

Published on Wednesday 22 June 2022