Happy New year!
I can't believe we have entered into 2015, where has the year gone I ask myself as I evaluate the year that has just gone.
I am in my finale phase of volunteering in Malawi, filled with mixed emotions of homecoming and sadness to be leaving Malawi. It has been an amazing journey which I have enjoyed every moment of, despite the challenges, the poverty there are elements of happiness and self-discovery. I will do this all over again in a different capacity. Already planner my next venture.
As the year came to a close I found myself very busy with a number of activities and loose ends to tie before my departure back to UK. This is a short blog, a pictorial blog with photos bringing 2014 to a beautiful close.
Highlights of 2014
My letter to the Minister of Education, final received a response. Met with the Principal for the Minister, following our meeting with her was introduced to the Director of Primary Education. A fruitful meeting with plans for joint working to improve the education in Malawi. The Director, visited our after school club, he was pleasantly surprised and impressed. (see photos). I hope that with whatever project we come up with will support the children of Malawi in their education.
I tried something new - volunteering my service to radio broadcasting. Recording scripts for broadcasting on Trans World Radio (TWR). A new talent which has boosted my confidence. All this has been made possible here in Malawi.
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| Radio broadcasting, a new venture of skills |
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| A visit from the Ministry of Education - Director of Primary Education |
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| Interviewing with the parents |
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| The Children with the Director of Education |
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| The children performing for me. My wake up call. |
Visit to Karonga & Chitipa - monitoring & evaluation exercise of the hospitals in the two districts. An eye opener of the health system in Malawi. Very discouraging to see how poverty can determine ones future, happiness and outcome. (see photos). Ambulance donated only worked for a few weeks just sitting collecting dust simply because no money to repair it. Broken beds, mattresses that are not fit for humans, yet patients have no choice but to sleep on them. Maternity waiting ward filled with teenage mothers in cramp conditions waiting to give birth. The maternity waiting homes is definitely a good innovation particularly in the rural areas where the nearest hospital/facility is anything from nine to 100 miles away. Mosquito nets given to patients/community for the prevention of malaria used for drying fish.
After school club enjoyed their Christmas lunch - taught them popular Christmas carols,
All in all 2014 was a good year.
Despite the challenges Malawi has taught me so much about myself, who I am and who I shall become in the future. Malawi is indeed a beautiful country.
Enjoy the photos
Happy New Year to you all
Catherine
