NEWS

Embassy officers visit Missoula, Montana

Her Excellency Ambassador Ndilowe in 2009 visited Missoula, Montana, under the auspices of Montana World Affairs Council. Amongst the other activities scheduled during her visit, she spoke to students about Africa, and Malawi, in particular. One of the outcomes from the presentation was the establishment of a sister-school relationship between Hellgate High School and Chankhungu Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dowa. The two schools have established a successful pen-pal program since September, 2009.

It was because of this relationship that First Secretaries Ms. Yvonne Kalumo and Ms. Jane Kambalame in May 2010 visited Missoula, Montana. During the visit the two officers made presentations to the two Grade 9 World Geography classes at Hellgate High School. The students asked questions on the country in general, and also specifically on the history, the economy, the development agenda as well as on the social and cultural issues of the country.

The two officers on behalf of the Embassy made a presentation of two copies of the book titled “The Boy who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba to the class and the school library. The book provides, among other things, an inside look at life in Malawi through the eyes of an adolescent.

A short presentation on Malawi was also made to the Grade 5 English Literature taught by Mr. Fred Arnold at Hellgate Middle School.A copy of William Kamkwamba’s book was presented to the class and to the school library.

* The Embassy was informed by Mr. Fred Arnold of his intentions to include “The Boy who Harnessed the Wind”, as part of his reading list for the English literature class for the 2010/11 academic year. Mr. Fred Arnold has also requested his class to be connected to a school in Malawi which would preferably use video messaging for contact. The Embassy is in the process of working with its partners in Malawi and the US to identify a school and technology to support the initiative.