New Members Forum [IV]
We invited members to participate in an informal, online event where new and existing members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their connection with Malawi with others in the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP).
From consistent feedback, we knew that SMP members loved hearing who was doing what, where, and with whom in Malawi. This helped share learning and experiences, led to offers of support, impactful collaboration, and reduced duplication of effort — or simply helped spread the passion for Malawi and energised members' efforts. Whether members were actively engaged in work with Malawi, had a long-standing connection, or were simply curious to learn more, everyone was equally welcome and encouraged to take part.
New Members
Amy Blake (together with Jon Dowell, who attended the previous New Member Forum) set up Fair Trade Electives (FTE) to create meaningful medical electives by working hand-in-hand with host communities in the Global South. They have two fabulous partners in Malawi - Medic to Medic and Nkhoma Hospital as well as partnerships with 7 UK universities, who funnel their medical students who wish to participate in equitable electives to FTE.
Carol Finlay had been part of the SMP since its inception through her involvement with the Church of Scotland (CofS). She worked in Malawi at Ekwendeni with CCAP for 10 years and engaged with many parts of CCAP since returning to Scotland where she worked with CofS engaging with congregations and helping to support partnerships and twinnings.
Hannah Gibson has worked in Malawi for many years with an international health organisation. She wants to stay connected.
Dr Charles Leyman Kachitsa works under the Apostolic Order of St Hadrian of Canterbury, they have carried out heritage projects based on the life of Malawian people living in the UK, specifically in Manchester. Through the Scotland Malawi Partnership, the Apostolic Order of St Hadrian of Canterbury aims to support and collaborate with the organisation and other members in carrying out initiatives that are impactful for Malawi as well as promotion of social integration and celebration of diversity in the UK.
Janet Weir is part of a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate abour supporting education for children.
Existing Members
Jeremy Bagg is Lead for the Scottish Government funded MalDent Project to develop Malawi's first Dental School and a national Oral Health Policy focused on the prevention of dental disease. Jeremy is the current Chair of the SMP.
Roger Bamkin is a retired IT specialist with a keen interest in bridging the digital gender gap, he does this by making information on women in public positions in Malawi more widely available through well-researched articles on Wikipedia.
Sally Rae is an SMP Board member. She is also involved with the Watson's Malawi Partnership (WMP). WMP provides financial support for orphaned babies, equips newborns with essential clothing, funds life-saving cervical screening equipment, keeps girls in school with reusable sanitary pads, provides women with underwear, helps children learn with reading schemes and in school-support, trains teachers and equips local sports teams. In return, pupils and supporters enjoy helping and learning from each other.
Kevin Simpson is an SMP Board member. He is also part of Malawi Fruits (MF). Together, Malawi Fruits are providing the training and tools which enable farmers to gain an income in the long term. Through MF's innovative rent-to-own model, farmers can get Polytunnels and solar-powered irrigation pumps on an affordable basis. These assets give the potential for a long-term year-round income.
Recorded video
Missed the event? Please find the recording here.
