STOP PRESS

CHIGUMUKIRE SCHOOL lost the roof off one of its classroom blocks in last night’s powerful thunderstorm. We don’t have the funds to restore it, which means those pupils’ education will have to stop until the rains do, in April sometime. Any donations to help us put the roof back on would be much appreciated! Caroline (31.1.13)

A Local Reaction to Caroline's MBE

Tanyazi Chirwa is one of the Primary Education Advisers in the area covered by MEL: ‘I am proud and happy to convey my congratulations on your honour. Looking at the most vulnerable children the Link has touched, it has influenced an intrinsic drive in them, opening a big world. Never will they afford to go to elite schools but Link is laying the solid foundation for the dregs of my society. You are sharing with us all your sweat. Thanks that you’ve humbly attributed the honour to various fundraising teams without personalising the honour for us, mama.’

Other ways MEL helps

6yr old Lettina Konje has already had one eye removed. The retinoblastoma has spread to her second eye, blinding her completely, and will then reach her brain, with a fatal outcome.
Lack of money for transport has prevented her mother from taking her for this lifesaving operation. MEL has given her the £25 needed. Please help us do this more often. Caroline

Fundraising

Please help us fundraise

 

Now that we no longer have teams coming out, we’re really desperate for your help with fundraising, so that we can continue our work in Malawi, building and renovating schools, teachers’ houses. We can’t transport resources, donated goods anymore, so we need the cash to buy those items here.

 

Please help in any way you can.

 

Coffee mornings… Bring and Buys… Bagpacking in your local supermarket… Sponsoring a student… Donations…

 

The possibilities are endless, and I’m happy to offer support, advice. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Ely, I’ll come and talk to your group / school /meeting / congregation.

 

Get in touch!

 

Caroline

MEL News

Does your school want to join MEL?

 

As of 2013, there will be no more teams from Hinchingbrooke School, by decree of the new headteacher. No reasons have been given. MEL has a safety and satisfaction record second to none. Despite a massive outcry from parents, ex- and aspiring team members, this decision will not be reversed.

 

This opens an opportunity for other schools to come out and visit, work, help in The Warm Heart of Africa. If you know your school would like to send teams, send us an email…. We’d love to hear from you!

 

Caroline

MBE!

On December 29th 2012 The Queen selected to award the Founder and organiser of Malawi Education Link with the rank 'Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire' (MBE). It was awarded for services to Primary Education in Malawi.

"Obviously, I'm honoured to receive the MBE but credit must also go to the 400+ volunteers who've bravely put themselves in my hands, since 1999, to come out to this remote part of Malawi, and also to all those supporters who've helped our tiny charity bring more than £300,000 in funds and resources to one of the poorest countries in the world." 

- C. Hansford

Caroline has been driving MEL for a Decade since 1999 when she first took a team of school children to the country.

The Cabinet Office website has a full listing of all recipients and further details of the rank awarded:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/new-year-honours-2013