school supply distribution

We distributed some school supplies to a local primary school yesterday. I think that was the most impressive distribution I've been part of here. Mbidi Primary School is a blatant example of extreme poverty in Malawi. The school faces some huge challenges. Can you imagine? The teachers didn't even have chalk to write on their makeshift blackboards, their only teaching tool. Many of the students didn't have exercise books or pens to take notes. They're supposed to share just a few textbooks with the whole class. And this constitutes the education of the next generation of Malawi. The school faces huge challenges. The school was built in 1996 but with only 2 classrooms. The community has built an additional two classrooms but it was never properly finished because the community doesn't have the money. So there is no floor, just dirt, and some bricks for the kids to sit on. During heavy rains, they can't even sit on the floor because it's waterlogged (it would cost probably only about $400 to put in a good floor). A small chalkboard leans up against the wall, but even if there was chalk, only the kids sitting in the front might be able to read it. The trusses are just some poles from local trees -- the kind of roof that often collapses here with a little wind. The other two classrooms are just grass shelters that provide a little shade. I'm not sure what they do when it rains actually -- either cancel classes or all cram into the two good classrooms I suppose. The school has no toilet either. There are no desks. A few broken plastic chairs are all the teachers have -- you have to stack at least two and even then it felt pretty risky to sit -- I chose a log over the chair. These are some dedicated teachers, teaching in conditions like this. And no teacher housing either. But this is the investment in the future leaders of Malawi. Some of them will actually make it and become teachers, doctors, and business managers, despite the huge obstacles they have to overcome.

The amount of gratitude that was expressed at the distribution of simple school supplies is hard to describe. The program was attended by the school committee, parent teacher association, local village chiefs, the District Primary Education Advisor. The teachers and students alike were overjoyed to receive chalk and excercise books, pens, pencils, and rulers. There were speeches, and poems, and drama presentations, and singing and dancing. A few simple school supplies made a huge impact for these kids. Charles tells me this will probably make history for the school. The excitement and joy was amazing. At least they have some learning tools -- one less obstacle for these kids.