At the Penicuik–Africa Convention in the Town Hall on 30 September, Penicuik High School students Colin Thompson, Lorna Currie, Michelle Blanche and several others, along with Mrs Stewart, Ms Lombardo and Ms Redford set up a display table explaining our Malawi partnership with Thyolo High School.  The display contained a number of artefacts, batiks, jewellery, photographs and a DVD and Power Point presentation made by S5 and S6 students. Other contributors to the convention included Vet-Aid, Penicuik for Africa, and Fair Trade. 

The calibre, attractiveness and easily read message of the PHS entry persuaded the Judges to award a cheque for £100 to the school’s Malawi Fund.  Mrs Stewart, the Malawi Partnership coordinator said ‘This money is a godsend for two pupils at Thyolo Secondary School who will now have their education totally funded for the next academic year.  Without this award, they would have had to leave the school as they could no longer afford the fees.’  On average, it costs £45 per year to educate a child boarding at Secondary School.  The students from PHS really enjoyed their day and have made invaluable links with other local people working for Africa.  A representative from VetAid has visited the school already to lead students in a Cattle Trading Game.  Watch this space ………