Youth and Schools Forum: Climate Change in Malawi
We were pleased to host our Youth and Schools Forum: Climate Change in Malawi – what was being done and what YOU could do!
The session, chaired by SMP Trustee Sharon Brown, featured Lindsey Macdonald from the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) and Ausward Bonongwe, WESM Environmental Education Manager. Lindsey and Ausward shared key facts on energy use and production in Malawi and discussed the then‑current impacts of climate change. Lindsey also presented practical examples of how WESM and other organisations were supporting communities to understand climate change and adopt mitigation measures.
We then heard from five schools that were actively involved with schools in Malawi and had visited their partner schools during 2025.
We invited Nicola Barker‑Harrison, Headteacher of Armadale Academy, West Lothian, and Sam Drummond, teacher at Beath High School, Fife, to share their thoughts on their visit in June/July 2025.
The Community School of Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross, and Fortrose Academy, Moray, were involved with the same school but in different ways. We invited Archie Marshall from CSoA and Ashley West from Fortrose Academy to discuss their visit to Malawi last summer.
The final presentation was from George Watson’s College. They have an established link and regularly visit Malawi. Katy Everett and Sally Rae, SMP Trustee, had taken part in the most recent trip in October.
After the presentation, the forum held an interactive Q&A, offering young people and educators space to ask questions, reflect, and explore how they could take meaningful action.
Resources
Presentation by Lindsey Macdonald, & Ausward Bonongwe available here.
Presentation by Armadale and Beath Acadamey available here.
Presentation by Fortrose Academy available here.
Presentation by The Community School of Auchterarder available here.
Presentation by George Watson College available here.
Recorded Video
Missed the event? Please find the recording and timestamps below.
00:00 Welcome remarks, Sharon Brown - SMP Trustee and Chair of the Youth & Schools Forum
2:33 Presentation by Lindsey Macdonald, & Ausward Bonongwe - WESM
40:58 Presentation by Nicola (Armadale) and Sam (Beath Acadamey)
01:03:35 Presentation by Ashley West - Fortrose Academy
01:14:14 Presentation by Archie Marshall - The Community School of Auchterarder
01:22:15 Presentation by Sally and Kate - George Watson College
01:31:15 Closing remarks, Sharon Brown - SMP Trustee and Chair of the Youth & Schools Forum
