For the past two years, Lainshaw pupils have been involved in learning about what life is like for children in Malawi and their interest led them to get involved in a special fundraising focus.

For many children in Malawi, hunger and malnourishment are a daily reality and these are the children who are least likely to attend school. Deprived of a chance of an education, the chance to realize their potential or gain skills, these children will, in all probability, hand on chronic poverty to their own children. Pupils wanted to do something to help.

Seventeen schools, joined with Lainshaw Primary, in fundraising to extend Scottish International Relief's feeding programme in schools in Malawi. Schools held sponsored walks, hush -ins and school fairs. Others donated funds from special assemblies. As a result of their efforts £11,716.81 was raised which has enabled a feeding shelter to be built in HHI School in Ndirande, Blantyre. About 1000 pupils will now receive a daily meal of nutritious porridge. This initiative not only made a difference in Malawi but enabled young people in East Ayrshire to have a greater understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.

Mrs Jean Keenan, Head Teacher at Lainshaw, said she was very grateful to everyone who had support this project.