Friends of Malawi Guiding

A Malawi Girl Guide Unit demonstrates a Traditional Malawian Dance. Photo taken by Elizabeth Ferrier.

MAGGA stakes its claim for Guiding on their newly acquired plot of land in the capital, Lilongwe. Included in the photo are Ethel Banda, outgoing Chief Commissioner; Ruth Magela, Executive Director; Rev. Evelyn Hope, Chairman of Friends of Malawi Guiding.

Guiding in Malawi mostly takes place in schools with leaders who are also teachers. Their membership is expanding rapidly (from 15,000 in 2007 to 45,082 in 2009) in spite of the many difficulties the country faces – poverty, communication and huge distances to travel with little available transport. They have already established a creditable educational programme, which is relevant to the girls and their needs. The next stage is to find funds to print and distribute copies of the programme to the units.

The challenges for the leadership are enormous but are being faced with enthusiasm and ingenuity. They have already purchased a piece of land for a headquarters, joined up with projects working in the same areas to share costs and engaged Girlguiding UK in a GOLD project due to start in 2010.

In January Ethel Banda completes her term of office as Chief Commissioner and Dziwa Mwembe takes over. As this change takes place, “Friends of Malawi Guiding” would like to expand its membership and offer some support to this young Guiding Association. If you would like further details contact: Rev. Evelyn Hope evelyn.1086@btinternet.com

(PERHAPS UK TREFOIL GUILDS COULD RAISE MONEY TO PURCHASE HANDBOOKS FOR THE GIRLS???.....Margaret Wellock.)