The ILG team has returned from 10 days in Malawi.
The ILG team recently returned from another successful trip to our partner school in Malawi, The Msalura School. The visiting party consisted of Kishwar Ali, Head of Essendene Lodge School, Jo Smith, Head of Danesfield Manor School, Clare King, Headmistress of Westbury House School, and Sheetal and Avni Mehta from ILG’s Head Office.
A partnership with Msalura Primary School has been ongoing for over a decade. The most recent visit was to oversee the completion of a new classroom block which can now house over 300 pupils. The build has been funded entirely by schools within the ILG family, who since the previous visit in 2023 have raised over £8000 towards various initiatives for the school.
As well as new classroom facilities, the ILG team has funded 21 girls to complete their secondary school education through The Gifted Girls Fund in Salima Secondary School. This has been one of the crucial fundraising areas, allowing girls to continue their education throughout secondary school and progress onwards to university.
Kishwar Ali from Essendene Lodge School emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating “Empowering Malawi through education is not just about building classrooms; it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter future. By funding girls’ education, we are not only breaking the cycle of poverty but also nurturing the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.”
In addition to the ongoing fundraising, ahead of the trip, many ILG parents donated second-hand uniforms which were gifted to pupils who cannot afford school attire. Additional donations included brand new period pants gifted by Danesfield Manor School, to support those impacted by period poverty. It was wonderful to see so many contribute generously ahead of the trip:
“During my humbling trip to Msalura School, I was deeply moved by the warm reception of our generous donations. Witnessing the tangible impact of the newly built school classrooms was incredibly inspiring, and I am thrilled with the remarkable progress of the gifted girls’ sponsorship program, which is transforming lives and futures.” Clare King, Westbury House School.
After the resounding success of the trip, the ILG team was very moved and inspired following their visit:
“Visiting Msalura School in Malawi was an eye-opening experience. Witnessing the resilience and enthusiasm of the students and staff, despite their limited resources, reminded me of the true essence of education: dedication, passion, and community spirit. It was a privilege to see firsthand how education can transform lives and to explore ways our schools can collaborate to make a meaningful difference”. – Jo Smith, Danesfield Manor School.
Even after the fundraising successes and recent trip, our work with The Msalura School is far from finished. As part of the next phase of The Msalura Mission, another classroom block is being built to house two more classrooms for up to 120 pupils. With everyone’s outstanding efforts and commitment, we are only £2000 away from the current £10000 goal.
To contribute to this excellent cause, visit the JustGiving page here.
Find out more about charity and fundrasing at ILG here.