Charity and Fundraising
The Msalura School in Malwai
At the Inspired Learning Group, we believe in the power of collaboration and cultural exchange to enrich education.
For over a decade, our partnership with Msalura School in Malawi has thrived, fostering mutual learning and support between our communities. Approximately every two years, members of staff across ILG visit the school exchanging expertise and experiences. In 2023, three ILG Headteachers embarked on a poignant journey to Malawi, forging deeper connections and understanding. Read about the most recent trip here.
Fundraising Initiatives
These visits go beyond mere exchanges; they embody our commitment to making a tangible difference. Through generous contributions from our schools including the School Council, in-school fundraising events like Mufti days, and parent-organised initiatives such as cake and second-hand uniform sales, we’ve been able to provide essential equipment and funds to support Msalura’s mission.
Staff are also invested in raising funds and in 2024 a team from Sunninghill Prep School ran the Weymouth Half Marathon raising over £1,200.
We are currently aiming to raise £10,000 to provide 120 desks for the new school block, which has 4 classrooms in, and build 8 toilets for the pupils. Some of these toilets will be specifically designed for SEN pupils so all children have access to clean sanitation appropriate for their individual needs.
2014 – 2024 Projects
Days for Girls
One of the major roadblocks to education for girls at Msalura is the lack of available feminine sanitary products. One of the key projects at Essendene in 2017 was the ‘Days for Girls” project – during this period parents met to work together to sew and put together basic sanitary packs for the girls. Working together, a team of some 20 parents and teachers spent afternoons and evenings together making and packaging the packs, which Mrs Ali was able to deliver to the school during her visit in the Autumn.
The Gifted Girls Fund
One of the crucial areas in which parent fundraising has been directed at Msalura is the Gifted Girls Fund. While primary education is free in Malawi, secondary education is not, making it extremely difficult for girls to access education after the age of 11. Fundraising has targeted this area particularly, allowing a number of girls to fund their secondary education and progress onwards towards University.
Water Pump Installation
In 2018 the parents of Essendene Lodge School organised a spectacular gala dinner. Thanks to donations of raffle prizes from parents, performances from staff, and even the loan of a parent’s restaurant for the evening, over 100 people were able to raise in excess of £7,000. As a result, work on the water pump and rebuilding more sanitary toilet blocks was able to start immediately. Any excess funds were put towards Days for Girls and The Gifted Girls Fund.
Classroom Renovations
Fundraising in the past few years has focused on rebuilding and refreshing the classrooms at the school so they are a better learning environment.
