St Peter’s Primary School sends jumpers to Africa

Children at the Tiyamike Mulungu Centre with their jumpers from St Peter’s Church of England Primary School

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Children at St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, Rochdale, were celebrating their efforts in supporting another primary school, for orphaned children, across the globe.

Tiyamike Mulungu Centre is situated in Bangula, a small village in Malawi, Africa. Tiyamike Mulungu, which is Chichewa for "Let us give thanks to God" is home to 115 children. The children have come to the Centre at different ages and circumstances; some as babies, a few hours old, to a 12-year-old boy who had never been to school.

St Peter’s Church of England have been supporting the development of the Centre’s provision for education by donating approximately 500 school jumpers, 180 classroom tables, 60 classroom chairs and over 1000 books, following their recent refurbishment and uniform change.

Kerstin Obermann, a volunteer from the Centre and trustee of the UK registered charity , attended a recent assembly at St Peter’s to present a letter of thanks and a canvas photo of the children in Africa proudly wearing their new uniforms. “Thank you again to St Peter’s for all your help; the books, uniforms, and much more. The jerseys are great, the kids love them.”

Mr Aelred Whelan, Headteacher, expressed his thanks to all involved: “I was delighted with the enthusiasm for this project. During our recent refurbishment and badge change, we found ourselves with lots of obsolete furniture and uniform. We were determined that these should not just be wasted and could greatly benefit others less fortunate than ourselves. After much research we managed to link up with the Tiyamike Mulungu Centre.

“This has been a fantastic project, which has not only benefitted the children in Malawi, but greatly benefited the pupils, families and staff at St Peter’s by reemphasizing the need for charity and helping others. Our children were so excited as they saw the pictures of the children in Africa wearing their jumpers.

“Thank you to all the parents, children and staff who have supported this donation – what a great community we live and work in.”

A further shipment will be sent to the Centre in December containing more tables and books.