RYLA Malawi - Dennis Robson

This weeks speaker was Dennis Robson of the Rotary Club of Innerleithan, Walkerburn and Traquair (IWT) and his very interesting subject was RYLA Malawi.  Dennis, with the support of Thea, came along to share plans for a ‘Development camp for youths and future leaders’ based on our current RYLA model, working in partnership with the Rotary Club of Limbe in Blantyre Malawi. The intention is to have 5 Leaders from Scotland (who pay all their own expenses) and 5 from Malawi (Rotarians and Rotaractors) to support 16 young Malawians between ages of 16 and 21.  They will be selected by local the rotary club with their development programme delivered and supported by Rotarians, local specialists and mentors.
The lucky students will work on projects which mitigate the effects of climate change. working alongside the local forestry commission. They will rebuild a house for a local woman in Liwondwe Nature Reserve and create an edible garden at Thondwe Primary School.
Dennis also shared the work of Interactors at Biggar High School who have raised £200 to have the local school boys toilet block rebuilt which was damaged in the same storm as the ladies house.
The partnership organisers are looking for sponsors and fund raising to cover the costs for students.
“If you want to go fast - go alone, if you want to go far - go together” African Proverb