Neno School Update

Neno Girls mission school is a strategic ministry of the Presbyterian church in Blantyre with which we in the PCV, and especially through PLC (Melbourne), have maintained an active and generous interest in recent years.

 

This short video is designed to bring you the feel of the school, to allow you to hear the moving singing of the girls and to meet head girls, already appointed for the new year. Neno provides a safe and stimulating place for girls of Malawi to study and prepare for a better future.

Yesterday John and Sue, Carey and I took the long and difficult road to Neno Girls Secondary School. Our usual road being closed meant a longer route of nearly 3 hours from Blantyre. I was in the back of the tray section of the vehicle and was bounced and bounced around for too long for this "old man" of the church!

Seeing the smiles and cheers of Neno girls makes up for all the discomfort. After a cooked lunch we inspected the PLC dorm (see below) - which is the best and smartest of the three girls' hostels.

On the day we were there they were putting to final touches to the paint work. The proposal is to officially "open" the PLC hostel on the day that Russell Downie and I arrive in September. PLC should be proud of this contribution to the school. FOR THE FIRST time the girls of Neno will be able to sleep one per bed. The girls of PLC have made a significant difference to the lives of these Malawian girls.

We were ushered into the CCAP church (Rev Michael N's church) and the head girl and the acting Principal gave speeches and then I gave an address to the girls. A beautiful moment was when they sang two Christian songs. Powerful singing ... so moving.

In the Head teacher's speech he mentioned proudly that in this last year they had their FIRST Neno girl enter university. We need to put this fact into context - their context, not ours! The school is making progress, their results are getting better. Their performance is the best of all schools in their district.

There are still plenty of ways that we can support this school. Russell Downie's visit is the key - to have an educational professional there will be vital.

  

After fond farewells we set off from this happy place not knowing what lay ahead! The driver decided to take the short cut down a very steep slope and across the river (with no bridge). Only one trouble - the brakes overheated and seized. There we were ... walking along a very rough road "in the middle of nowhere" wondering if we were to spend the night in the bush! Thankfully, the driver eased the empty vehicle down the slope and the evening air also helped cool it down and we eventually returned to Blantyre.