President Stewart Wilson welcomed members, and our speakers, three students from St Modan's High School who have been chosen as part of a group of twelve to spend 5 weeks in Ghana. They were led by Natalie Anderson who was accompanied by fellow pupils Niamh and Benjamin, each of whom is working to raise £1600 towards the cost of their trip. The project has been organised by the Lasallians, a teaching order operating worldwide running schools and promoting education-based projects. Natalie quoted Nelson Mandela, " education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world", in this case building accommodation for teaching staff in a remote part of Ghana. Their project has been running for several years and is now nearing completion, making it possible for teachers to stay in this area which is about ten hours by bus from Accra. Apart from their involvement in the practical building work, participants involve themselves in the local community, a village of about 1000 inhabitants, although the school will also serve several surrounding villages. As part of her fund-raising Natalie arranged a sponsored hair cut reducing her previously very long hair to a neat short style, with the removed hair going to a unit for children who have lost their own hair following chemotherapy.
The vote of thanks was given by Jim Kerr. We had all been very impressed by these three youngsters, their ambition and the way they had spoken.
Next week 16th February Speaker's host Elspeth King, Visitor's host Alex Galloway.
Ian Richardson