We now have a full report on the permaculture training course held in October at the school. The course lasted for four days, and gave pupils and teachers a full background in the theory and practice of permaculture [...]]]>

We now have a full report on the permaculture training course held in October at the school. The course lasted for four days, and gave pupils and teachers a full background in the theory and practice of permaculture methods.

Gertrude, the school’s director, has been putting the manure and composting techniques into practice. For example, stalks of maize which have been harvested are being laid between rows of other crops to be used as mulch, and then eventually to be dug into the soil to become compost.

The school has been leading the way among schools in the district with its permaculture methods, with crops grown at the school being used to supplement the diet of the school’s pupils. Gertrude wants to start a daily feeding programme for all children of the school, if you’d like to help this happen then please email info@ganetsadventureschool.org

Download the report here (288KB pdf)

We thank our trustee Kate as well as our supporter Alison Parfitt for funding the course.

Lack of lighting is perhaps not one of the first things you think of when it comes to improving global education. However, the Little Suns solar-powered lights which were generously donated last year are now proving invaluable in [...]]]>

Lack of lighting is perhaps not one of the first things you think of when it comes to improving global education. However, the Little Suns solar-powered lights which were generously donated last year are now proving invaluable in helping the children at Ganet’s School revise for their exams.

The Standard 8 children, who are around 14 years old, are using the Little Sun lights to revise for their final year exams. Between January and April the children in the final year are encouraged to revise and offered boarding facilities in one of the school’s classrooms so that they can study better.  When the children go home it is often hard to avoid helping on the farm or looking after little siblings, so the option to board at school ensures that they can focus on their studies.

There is no electricity in the village where Ganet’s School is based, so the 10 solar-powered lights which were donated have meant that the school’s boarders can study both before school and after dinner. Gertrude, the headmistress, and the other teachers also put in a lot of extra hours during this time to supervise revision and help the children revise tricky subject areas, 7 days a week. Gertrude’s sister also works hard to cook breakfast and lunch for the boarders, and the children can make their own dinner using fresh produce from the school garden, such as maize, pumpkin and okra.

These 10 little solar lights are a simple way of adding so much potential to these children’s lives by improving there chances of going to secondary school. These innovative lights have proved that hard work is no obstacle for these motivated teenagers, and I hope you join us in wishing them the best of luck for their exams in May!

Our thanks go out to Little Sun for donating the lights, you can buy yours online here.

As previously mentioned, we recently had two British volunteers working at Ganet’s Adventure School in Malawi, Gill and Lisa. They got in touch with the school after reading about us online. A few weeks ago, they told us about [...]]]>

As previously mentioned, we recently had two British volunteers working at Ganet’s Adventure School in Malawi, Gill and Lisa. They got in touch with the school after reading about us online. A few weeks ago, they told us about their arrival and first few days at the school. This second diary entry is an account of their first days of teaching, having spent a few days getting to know their way around and observing the other teachers:

“On Friday we took in the school equipment we bought from home (pens, games, balls, rounders sets etc). Gertrude was really excited and at midday all the children were gathered together and shown all the things. The pens got the loudest cheer, along with the new netballs and footballs and pumps as the ones they are currently using are deflated and the pump they have doesn’t work.

In the afternoon we took our first lesson. As Gill is a retired teacher she led whilst I supported – demonstrating verbs by running, jumping, clapping and generally making an idiot of myself. It was fantastic to see my mum teaching and the children were great, participating and concentrating very hard. At the end of the lesson Gill introduced “circle time” – a different method of teaching from the UK. The children spoke about what they were going to do at the weekend, their favourite foods, and introduced their partners practicing their ‘hims’ and hers’.

We’ve had a fantastic first week. It’s been really hard work, very hot, slightly nerve wracking at times but also so rewarding and really enjoyable. Gertrude is an absolute legend and works so hard to make sure Ganet’s continues to improve and provide a lovely and very beautiful school for the children. Her sister has cooked lovely lunches for us every day including a few things we’ve never tried before.

But most of all – the children are amazing. They are really hardworking and also have a great sense of humour. We’ve been laughing a lot together (and sometimes they’ve been laughing at us!) and we’re already looking forward to seeing them, the teachers and Gertrude on Monday – although are definitely going to enjoy a bit of a rest this weekend.”

Inspired by this story? Ganet’s Adventure School welcomes volunteers from around the world. As well as working at the school, you can get involved from your home country, email info@ganetsadventureschool.org to find out more.

Around 6 months ago construction of a new classroom block at Ganet’s Adventure School began. We are pleased to announce that these classrooms are now completed and are being used to their [...]]]>

Around 6 months ago construction of a new classroom block at Ganet’s Adventure School began. We are pleased to announce that these classrooms are now completed and are being used to their full advantage by the children and teachers at the school.

The process wasn’t without its problems as the rainy season was longer than expected and caused considerable disruption to the construction work. However the local builders and carpenters, as well parents of the school children, worked hard and the project is now completed.

This new classroom block consists of two classrooms which are large enough to comfortable seat 60 children in each. They have replaced the temporary wooden structured which used to be used as classrooms. This building upgrade means that the school can now be formally registered with the Ministry of Education; an important step in securing the schools future.

Construction of these new facilities, vital to the schools longevity, would not have been possible without the generous support of the following organisations, as well as individual donors and riders from our Ganet’s North Downs Adventure cycle ride:

Kitchen Table Charities Trust

The Buchan Family

Adsum Foundation

KPMG

Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK)

Teach a Man to Fish

The children and teachers at Ganet’s Adventure School would like to say a huge thank you to these organisations and individuals for providing them with these lovely new classrooms!

Ganet's Adventure School volunteers Gill and Lisa

Gill Buckley and Lisa Bennett, mother and daughter, got in touch with Ganet’s Adventure School about volunteering after finding the website. They are no strangers to volunteering and Gill is a retired teacher, so when they were looking for somewhere to [...]]]>

Ganet's Adventure School volunteers Gill and Lisa

Gill Buckley and Lisa Bennett, mother and daughter, got in touch with Ganet’s Adventure School about volunteering after finding the website. They are no strangers to volunteering and Gill is a retired teacher, so when they were looking for somewhere to volunteer in Malawi, Ganet’s school sounded perfect. As well as volunteering their time and using their expertise to introduce new teaching techniques, Gill and Lisa also raised a fantastic amount in donations and secured sports and school equipment to take out with them.

Here is their account of their arrival and first few days at the school:

“We were picked up from Mayoka by Joe the taxi driver, Gertrude (the school’s director, her daughter and nursery teacher Elisa and a very sleepy baby Stephen, at 8am on Tuesday morning, our first day at school. Gertrude told us the children were all ready to welcome us and looked very smart in their uniforms. We turned off the main road down the track to the school, picking up a small girl as we went.

As we neared the school we started to hear singing and as we turned the corner, the whole school, children and teaches, were lining both sides of the track and singing a beautiful welcome song. We got out of the car and walked the last bit and the singing continued, it was one of the most amazing things we’d ever heard. When the singing was over four of the children came forward one by one to introduce themselves and welcome us to the school. We then all walked together into one of the large classrooms, past all the maize, watermelons, pumpkins and cassava growing in every spare inch of the school grounds.

One inside we were seated at the front and a fantastic assembly began, which included more singing, some brilliant dancing and drumming, and some lovely speeches by the teachers – it was pretty overwhelming. One of the highlights was the nursery children’s dance. They all lined up and one by one came forward and did a dance on their own. One tiny girl, Lucy, was making the whole room laugh because every time someone was called forward she went forward and started going for it! It was one of the funniest things we’ve ever seen.

The rest of the day was taken up with meeting the teachers and children, looking round the school including the new block which will soon be finished and the outside kitchen, discussing our programme and then watching the children play netball and football matches surrounded by toddlers and nursery children who were a bit wary and weren’t quite sure what to make of us – although me attempting to speak Tonga made them giggle – they are seriously good. We went home exhausted but happy.

The following couple of days were mainly taken up with us observing different classes to get to grips with how things work at Ganet’s, marking children’s work, assisting in classes and generally getting to know the place.”

Part two of Gill and Lisa’s story will follow soon, like us on Facebook for updates!

Inspired by this story? Ganet’s Adventure School welcomes volunteers from around the world. As well as working at the school, you can get involved from your home country, email info@ganetsadventureschool.org to find out more.

We have teamed up with Give As You Live, who work with thousands of retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, and donate a percentage of each online purchase to us.

An interview with Gertrude Banda, the lady behind Ganet’s Adventure School, was published on Yahoo! UK in celebration of Mothers Day 2013. In the article Gertrude describes her perfect day off as having time [...]]]>

An interview with Gertrude Banda, the lady behind Ganet’s Adventure School, was published on Yahoo! UK in celebration of Mothers Day 2013. In the article Gertrude describes her perfect day off as having time to attend to the school’s vegetable garden alongside her children.

Click here to read the full article on Yahoo!

The response from Yahoo readers has been amazing; Gertrude is described as inspirational, as well as kind, selfless, generous and awesome! Some said they were moved to tears. The article was also praised for deviating from the often negative portrayals of Africa in the press; this is a positive and inspirational story of a remarkable lady helping the children of her community.

As well as lovely comments, Gertrude’s story has generated donations for the school, a group of new supporters and well wishers. This has enabled Gertrude to buy materials for the school now, and we hope this new interest will develop into long term support, and help to put the school on a secure footing for the future.

On hearing of the reaction to her article, Gertrude was for once almost speechless. “That is amazing,” she said, “I could not even dream of such a response!” She has printed the article and is proudly showing it to her family, including her mother who lives on a small farm in the hills above the village where the school is.

As a mother herself, journalist Aurora James was very moved by Gertrude’s story when she interviewed her for the article. As a teacher and single mum herself, Aurora had a lot in common with Gertrude.

“Talking to Gertrude on the phone made me long to be sat next to her with us both having a cup of tea and exchanging stories. I hadn’t imagined how happy and enthusiastic she would be on the phone – laughing so much as we talked. No electricity. No running water. I felt ashamed when she spoke to me. Ashamed of the silly things I worry about. I won’t forget Gertrude, and will follow her progress.”

Our thanks go to Ashley Smith and the team at Yahoo! UK, as well as Aurora James for putting the article together at short notice.

Follow Gertrude and the school’s story: join our newsletter mailing list here

Like us and get involved on Facebook

Find out about our five easy ways to support the school (and it needn’t cost a penny!)

Pupils of Ganets Adventure School

Do you want to help our award-winning school in Malawi but are not sure how? We’ve made it as easy as possible:

Sign up to this free scheme [...]]]>

Pupils of Ganets Adventure School

Do you want to help our award-winning school in Malawi but are not sure how? We’ve made it as easy as possible:

Give As You Live

Sign up to this free scheme and every time you shop online with them, thousands of stores will donate a percentage of the amount you spend to us, for free! Click here to get started: http://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/ganets-adventure-school

Donate

You can make single or regular donations with Virgin Money Giving. It’s quick, secure and will automatically add Gift Aid if you’re eligible, adding 20% to your donation: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/GanetsAdventureSchoolFund

Or if you’re pressed for time, UK supporters can simply text “DESK01 £5″ to 70070 to donate a fiver via Vodaphone’s fee-free Just Text Giving Service.

Buy our Teacher’s Brew Malawi coffee

All profits from our responsibly sourced Malawi coffee go to Ganet’s Adventure School. More information on the coffee and how to order is here: http://www.ganetsadventureschool.org/?p=986

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us at @ganetsadventure and like us on Facebook and help share our story

Sell your unwanted goods on ebay and donate the proceeds to us

Ebay will refund most their fees if you donate proceeds of your auction to us, get started here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/egw/ebay-for-charity/charity-profile/?NP_ID=36906

Of course there are many other ways you can get involved, from volunteering in the UK or in Malawi, to organising your own fundraising events. Email info@ganetsadventureschool.org to find out more.

Ganet’s Adventure School is a small primary school and pre-school with big ideas, teaching around 200 children in rural Malawi. It receives no government funding, and relies on support from around the world to keep it running. The school was founded by its director Gertrude Banda in 2004, and in 2011 won a Pan African Award for Entrepreneurship in Education.

Ganet’s Adventure School Fund (UK reg. charity no. 1141352) exists to support the school. it is run entirely by volunteers, meaning that over 90% of your donations go direct to the school in Malawi.

Life as a mother in Malawi can be tough, as British writer Aurora James found out when interviewing Malawian mum and our school’s founder Gertrude Banda. The interview is for an article [...]]]>

Life as a mother in Malawi can be tough, as British writer Aurora James found out when interviewing Malawian mum and our school’s founder Gertrude Banda. The interview is for an article published on Yahoo! UK for Mother’s Day: http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/gertrude-inspirational-mum-malawi-173700495.html

Gertrude is an incredibly hard working widow, mother of four and grandmother of two, who combines caring for her family with running the school which she founded in 2004. She rises at 5am each day, and doesn’t get to bed until after 10pm, in spite of which she is always ready to share a joke with the other teachers or help out a distressed child.

Gertrude has big plans for the school: “If I could have a dream for myself, it would be for my own children, the village’s children, and children all across Malawi to have a good education”. She also dreams of Malawi’s President Joyce Banda one day visiting: “I would love her to come here and see our school,” she says.

As a teacher and single mum herself (not to mention journalist, Type 1 diabetes campaigner, and former BBC News Director and producer), Aurora had a lot in common with Gertrude.

“Talking to Gertrude on the phone made me long to be sat next to her with us both having a cup of tea and exchanging stories. I hadn’t imagined how happy and enthusiastic she would be on the phone – laughing so much as she talked to me about her life. She described things that we cannot imagine here in the UK. No electricity. No running water. She even had no home, and was living in an office. But she was still laughing; still counting her blessings and thinking of others with every question I asked her.”

“It was a privilege to talk to her.  I felt ashamed when she spoke to me. Ashamed of the silly things I worry about.  I won’t forget Gertrude, and will follow her progress.  I’m already putting things aside to be able to send to her in Malawi. I know she’ll laugh when she opens the box.”

Ganet’s Adventure School is a primary school and pre-school, teaching around 200 children. It receives no government funding, and relies on support from around the world. In 2011 it won a Pan African Award for Entrepreneurship in Education. Ganet’s Adventure School Fund (UK reg. charity no. 1141352) is run entirely by volunteers, meaning that over 90% of donations go direct to the school in Malawi.

Read Gertrude’s story here, and please help us by sharing it online: http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/gertrude-inspirational-mum-malawi-173700495.html