Kirklandneuk Primary School

Kirklandneuk Primary School first began to develop a relationship with Malawi in late 2014, when the school supported a Classrooms for Malawi (CfM) project in the Blantyre Rural district. One member of Teaching Staff traveled out to Malawi in July 2015, to work on a project at Michiru Primary School with CfM. Working successfully in partnership with the Kirklandneuk Primary School community and the local community around Michiru Primary School, a number of positive outcomes have been achieved for both communities, including: - New three-classroom block, at Michiru PS. - Six classrooms at Michiru PS renovated. - New collegiate connections made between teaching staff at KPS and Michiru PS and South West Education District (SWED), Blantyre, Malawi. - Pupils in KPS and Michiru PS exchanged letters. - KPS teaching staff gained an insight into pedagogy and practice used in a rural Malawian school. In 2016/17, Kirklandneuk PS developed a Malawi group for pupils, to further promote language, cultural and educational links with Malawi. A number of learners from P3 upwards have explored basic skills in Chichewa and can confidently sing several traditional Malawian school songs. In June 2017, Kirklandneuk PS supported a project, led by one of the school's teaching staff and facilitated by Classrooms for Malawi, to build a new two-classroom block, at Chilandepa Primary School, in Blantyre Rural, Malawi. It is hoped that this project will help to build more relationships between Kirklandneuk PS and partners in Malawi. Kirklandneuk PS is now seeking to further develop its relationship with Malawi and looks forward to developing more friendships within the country.

A new generation of young people have developed a more globalised world view, both in Malawi and Scotland; while having had the opportunity to practise new language skills and develop a greater appreciation for other cultures. In Scotland, this will be sustained as our children move into the secondary sector, with our associated Secondary school developing its own relationship with Malawi. Continuing to develop our friendships in Malawi, will sustain our mutual partnership into the future.