Steve Fatchi (2nd from right) tells us what he's learnt about first aid

“Safety of pupils was never a priority at our school but now we have been briefed on first aid and how to take care of a person who has been affected by flooding. We know where to report when read the signs of a flood. Thanks to Sukulu Malawi project."

(Photo, Jenny Matthews)

Katharine MacVine, ActionAid Community Fundraising Officer

Sukulu Malawi has been up and running for a year now and I’m delighted to say there are lots of new project developments to report at the 4 primary schools we are supporting in Nsanje Southern Malawi.

Remember what the classrooms looked like when we started?

Flood-devastated classrooms are being rebuilt as well as two new teacher houses. These will be made with cement rather than brick which will better protect the school, its pupils and teachers from any future flooding.

The reconstruction work has attracted three new teachers to come to work at Namiyala Primary School.  Headteacher Mrs Zomba is delighted with this outcome; “This will reduce the teaching load…Instead of teaching only three subjects per day we will be able to teach the recommended nine.”

Since my last update with your support ActionAid has funded the planting of an additional 3000 tree seedlings along the banks of the nearby river Ruo and around the school perimeter at Mchere Primary School. This will act as a barrier against future flooding as the trees will absorb excess floodwater, preventing damage to school buildings and nearby crops.

School environmental clubs have been set up which are holding training courses so children and their families can learn how best to tackle the effects of climate change. This includes planning evacuation routes from schools during severe flooding and lobbying politicians to better protect their community from flood damage.

These achievements are just the beginning however. ActionAid will continue to seek funds for the Sukulu Malawi project throughout 2010 to complete this work, and ensure the children of Nsanje are equipped to cope with the changing climate so they get the education that will lift them out of poverty. 

Read how school life has improved from Namiyala primary’s Headteacher

(Photos: Jenny Matthews/ActionAid, ActionAid, ActionAid, ActionAid)

Innocent Useni (pictured, far right) is 13 years old and is in Standard 6 at Chikonje Primary School. Innocent attended the climate change training and found it very useful. He told us what he had learned:

"Climate is changing because of gases emitted mainly by manufacturing companies in industrialized countries. The results are diseases, heavy rains within shorter periods leading to flooding. The floods wash our crops resulting in hunger.

"I will never forget last year when floods destroyed our only garden as the maize was almost ready for harvesting. We endured hunger for 5 months where I sold firewood to earn money to buy maize. I want things to change because I have experienced the devastating effects of floods. I will take part in drama and songs to address the problem."

(Photo: Camieson Samiikwa)

The school’s headteacher Mrs Zomba (pictured above, talking to pupils) describes how the ActionAid-supported improvements are already making a huge difference:

“We have been informed that 3 teachers from surrounding schools have submitted applications to  the Primary Education Advisor of this zone be transferred to Namiyala Primary school next term and we are looking forward to that because the rehabilitated houses are as good as new.

"This will reduce the teaching load we have at the school. Instead of teaching only three subjects per day we will be able to teach the recommended 9 subject each day. The school has suddenly become a centre of attraction to and envy from other surrounding schools.”

(Photo Camieson Samikwa/ActionAid)

Cosmas Fungalani sits on the school management committee which oversees
 the running of Namiyala primary school. He said

"Poor infrastructure is a problem. Damage to teachers' houses caused by flooding of the Ruo river drives teachers away.

Emmanuel (pictured), a pupil at Namiyala primary agreed:"Learning at the school is not enjoyable because the teacher switches from one class to another. We are lucky if we receive 4 lessons in a day."

Joyce Mpandeni is in year 8 at Chikali primary school. In March this year her school was completely submerged by flooding.

“Teachers did not turn up at school and we too feared to go to school due to crocodile threats. Chikali river looks peaceful but it is terrible when it floods. We went three weeks without going to school and missed out a lot in learning…Transporters began to use canoes to ferry pupils to school. They charged MK100 (40p) which was very expensive. I could not afford and stayed another week at home. It was  disaster for me. I am not sure whether I will ever catch up and fulfil my dreams of becoming a nurse”