Malawi Education Project news

10 Days cycling in Malawi

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Discover Adventure and Malawi Association UK have selected MEP to receive sponsorship from an exciting challenge, and what could be the cycling adventure of a lifetime.

In 10 days, participants will see a beautiful stretched of almost untouched African landscape as they cycle along the shores of Lake Malawi from Lilongwe to Mzuzu.

Check out the itinerary and more information on the Discover Adventure website or attend the event on Facebook

Thanks again to Discover Adventure and Malawi Association UK!

Cube Fundraiser 18/12/09!

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

HAPPENINGS AND KILLINGS PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF WRONGNESS, FEATURING THE MIGHT OF.........

HUNTING LODGE // DAGGER BROTHERS // GOBLIN COMB + STUFF!

Hunting Lodge

A very rare chance to see Hunting Lodge at The Cube. They will be playing with their original line up of "a bassist who pummels, pounds and slaps the fretboard like it had just jumped ahead of him at the taxi-rank, a bare-topped drummer solemnly thumping his skins like he was beating time on a Turkish slave-galley, the freeform guitar lines of an inept crack-addled Robert Fripp dragged mercilessly through a wasp farm and a vocalist whose squawks and screeches smack of the sugar-fix tantrums of a retarded 6-year old. All this combines to produce the effect of being yelled at by an alcoholic in a disco."

http://www.myspace.com/huntinglodge

Dagger Brothers

"Testostrone fueled shock pop. Wham meets King Crimson. Wax thundering grease topguns. Big Break meets the Generation Game via the Big Breakfast."

http://www.myspace.com/thedaggerbrothers

Goblin Comb

Featuring members of Hunting Lodge, Dagger Brothers, and Cedric. "Free love triangle, sloppy vibrant free world noise music, rice and chips."

http://www.myspace.com/africanapparel

DJ's

Nadoone (Illegal Seagull)

Sydney Jungblud (Bruss)

FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER. THE CUBE.

Doors 8pm. £6.

All proceeds go to Malawi Education Project.

Fashion Bazaar at Hamilton House, Bristol, 06/12/09

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:09:00 +0000

The fashionable set in Bristol are holding an exciting new event in aid of MEP at Hamilton House, Stokes Croft.

On the day there will be a fashion show from some of Bristol's hot up-and-coming designers such as Dutty Girl, Sew that Jazz, Oomoos Attic and many more.
They will also be hosting a clothing swap, competitions and customisation stations.

See flyer below for full info.

Massive thanks to Maddy, Louisa and all the fashionistas involved for choosing MEP to benefit from these stylish proceedings!

Please support friend of MEP.... Christine Lindop.

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:44:00 +0000

MEP recently set up our Just Giving account after becoming registered for Gift Aid.

Just Giving gives any potential fundraisers the chance to easily set up a page explaining how they're raising money, and have any donations made paid directly to the charity. Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity of your choice and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

We are very pleased to announce that we have our first page up and running! It's been set up by our new friend, hero and all round good egg, Christine Lindop. Please take the time to have a look at her page here.

Here are the six heroic labours of Christine....

1) Read the first 600 pages of Ulysses. (Currently at page 330)

2) Walk the 18 mile (6 x 3) Rambler's walk around Bristol - a sprained ankle means this has now changed to: Make 6 mosaic lightcatchers

3) Make 6 balaclavas for sailors (3 now complete)

4) Make 6 loaves of bread from recipes I haven't used before and present them to people (3 done)

5) Memorise 6 poems (2 now memorised)

6) Make 60 seed bombs and distribute them round the unloved wastelands of Horfield. (ongoing)

Please show your support. Christine aims to raise £600 by her 60th Birthday on Christmas Eve 2009. She is one sixth of the way there already.... Dig deep.

Our love and respect to you Christine, from all here at the Malawi Education Project.

And thank you.

Invada Invasion eBay Auction is LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:19:00 +0000

The MEP/ Invada Invasion eBay Auction went live at midnight on Saturday 26th September, and will be ending at midnight on the 7th October. Click on the links below and bid on some amazing items kindly donated by many of the bands playing at last nights fantastic Invada Invasion at Bristol Colston Hall. MEP were out in force, thrusting flyers into the sweaty mits of everyone we met. Once again, a HUGE THANK YOU to Geoff Barrow, Fat Paul, Redg and all the Artists who are supporting MEP with this Auction.

Signed Mogwai 'BIG MUFF' Guitar pedal:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411482999&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Signed Portishead 'Third' Box set:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411489445&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Great things from Beak>

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411496943&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Signed Invada Invasion goodies:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411575157&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Signed Julian Cope 'Teardrop Explodes' record:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411601980&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Way Out West Record box:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411505447&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Invada Invasion eBay Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Malawi Education Project has teamed up with the crew behind this Saturdays Invada Invasion at the Colston Hall, Bristol, to host one of the most enviable online music auctions Ebay has ever seen, with all money raised going directly to the charity. The auction goes live at midnight on Saturday 26th during the event, and has prizes donated from every act performing, as well as exclusive signed box sets from Portishead, as well as Geoff Barrows new band, BEAK>...

Some of the prizes included in the auction are;

* A Big Muff Pi effects pedal, owned and (ab)used by members of Mogwai. The pedal has been signed by all members of Mogwai.

* A copy of Portisheads 'Third' album box set. This includes the double 12" album, a 7" copy of debut single Machine Gun, a 'P' USB containing the entire album in digital format, as well as footage by John Minton, director of the 'Machine Gun' video. There is also a print from Nick Uffs video for 'We Carry On'. The box set has been signed by all of Portishead.

* There will be signed merchandise from every act performing at the Invada Invasion event, including Fuck Buttons, Zu, Gonga, Team Brick, Joe Volk, Crippled Black Phoenix, Thought Forms and many more.

* Julian Cope, the legendary musician, author, antiquary, musicologist, poet and good friend of Invada, has been kind enough to donate some signed albums for your listening pleasure.

* As a special bonus, Geoff Barrow has donated a limited edition box set from his new band BEAK>. This Box will include the full length CD album, presented in a dvd style case with a bonus CD /EP disc of 4 new tracks NOT featured on the album. As well as this there will be a 12" Vinyl EP with another 2 tracks also not featured on the album. There is also a BEAK> T shirt, and badge included. The box set will be signed by all members of BEAK>.

We would like to give a massive thanks to Geoff Barrow, Fat Paul, Redg, Mogwai and Portishead and all the bands who have generously donated prizes to this auction.

Please Note:

The Auction will be going live at midnight on Saturday 26th, so check back to this website on Sunday 27th for links to the URLs on Ebay

Brick Top Gallery Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Friend of MEP Charlie Townsend has organised a fundraising Art exhibition in London opening this weekend. see below for details:

WEEKENDS ONLY, TEMPORARY GALLERY
OPENS SAT 12TH SEPT. 2009. (for roughly 4 weeks)

139 BETHNAL GREEN RD
20 METRES FROM TOP OF BRICK LANE

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

OPENING TIMES
FRI 6-9PM
SAT 12-9PM
SUN 12-6PM
Private viewings can be arranged in the week if required.

EXPECT
• POSTCARD PRINTS
• SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHERS PRINTS
• BLOCK MOUNTED PRINTS MADE TO ORDER
• ARTWORK FOR SALE AND TO OBSERVE
• GUEST DJS
• FROG MONKEY PROJECT BANDS
• GUEST SHORT FILM SCREENINGS
• SPREAD OVER 2 FLOORS INCLUDING
"THE DRUM & BASEMENT"
• FRIENDLY\FUN CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE

Photographers include: -
Glenn Power (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennpower/sets)
Ellen Doherty (http://www.duchessphotographic.com)
Lizzy Mayson (http://www.flickr.com/photos/41561148@N04)

Artists include: -
Sam Messenger (http://www.sammessenger.com)
Laurence Jansen (http://www.lkj.org.uk)
Eerika Omiyale (http://eerikaomiyale.com/)

*****************************************

Its shaping up to be an exciting event! Come and join us at the opening party on saturday to browse and buy beautiful works of art from up-and-coming artists. See you there!

MEP Awarded Charity Status

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:44:00 +0000

News this week that the Charity Comission have officially approved our application for Charity Status, and the we are now registered in England and Wales as charity number 1129774, which we think has a nice ring to it.

Practically, this means that we are now able to start applying for grants, and register with GiftAid and exciting things like that.

Its a real milestone in the life of our Project, and a great motivation to keep working hard to open up education to communities in Malawi. Next step is to begin registering as an NGO in Malawi, a process we anticipate that may take up to two years!

NICE Radio in Cape Malcear

noreply@blogger.com (Lou Fitzpatrick) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Cape Maclear library has been recipient to one of the NICE Solar powered / wind up radios that being issued around the country. NICE (National Initiative for Civic Education) run a scheme aimed towards people in remote areas of Malawi, enabling more people to access the news, whether or not they are literate, or indeed have any access to newspapers. Cape Maclear librarian Brighten Ndawala has worked it into operations at the school library, turning the radio on during the after-school library session, which has proven to be a popular gathering tool for pupils, teachers and villagers.

Developments in the Heart of MEP

noreply@blogger.com (Lou Fitzpatrick) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:20:00 +0000

With Charity status pending and massive new learnings from the past 5 months spent in Malawi, MEP is going through an intense development phase. Driven by Ally ‘project development extraordinaire’ Schooler on the UK side, with input from International Development people, and through talks with and advice from large and long-term established organisations out in Malawi, this project has leaped from a lounge-based operation, to a project with a real budget, a greater impact in Malawi than ever anticipated, and a very promising future.

Charity status is hoped for within the couple of months, and NGO status hopes to be gained by the end of the year out in Malawi. Systems and process are being overhauled to operate in line with tough regulations, and more energy is being turned towards partnerships, teaming up with other organisations to create a more wholesome and effective project, which will in turn benefit partner organisations too.

MEP is young, proactive and adaptable enough to take discoveries like finding warehouses of books awaiting distribution, and react in a way that helps both MEP and partner organisations more efficiently reach the communities in Malawi who wish for access to these resources.

The future is a very exciting place indeed, and as soon as we reach our financial target which we hope will be before the end of this year, we'll be ready to go!

For anyone who wishes to donate regularly, you can find the standing order from .pdf on the homepage www.malawieducationproject.com/index.php, or contact us on the address below if you wish to donate from outside of the UK.

And for other organisations working in Education in Malawi or other parallel fields, please do get in touch with us info@malawieducationproject.com

Malawi Government Distribute Books via MEP

noreply@blogger.com (Lou Fitzpatrick) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Last week following a meeting with Mr Nyali, Malawi's Chief Librarian, Malawi National Library Service donated 450 additional books in both English and Chichewa language, to Cape Maclear Primary School. The librarian is being kept on his toes even more so now, with the coming of these books leading to an ever more busy library.

“Yesterday 52 of those books were loaned out alone - they're really popular, and an important addition to the library” says Chris Birkett, MEP's current lead volunteer out in Malawi.

This is a promising move for a harmonious future for MEP in Malawi, and underlines the importance of working in partnership with others striving towards the same goal of literacy and resource availability.

Development in Cape Maclear Primary Library

noreply@blogger.com (Lou Fitzpatrick) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:19:00 +0000

2 1/4 years since it establishment, Cape Maclear library, MEP's primary school pilot project, has undergone some great developments. Following further donations of books from various sources within Malawi, the books shelves were too full, so local carpenters Dixon and Marvellous set to work and created about 70% more shelving. Local sign writer Ka-nju-nju-nju got his brushes out and created a welcome sign, the local metal workers made bookends. Some training for the teachers and librarian followed that, in using the books and library more effectively with classes, which got fantastic feedback and they are indeed developing their use of the library into 2009.

Since the library reopened for the new school year in January, it has become busier than ever. Late January saw the arrival of around 400 books in the local language of Chichewa, donated by the Malawi National Library Service, opening the space up for use by the lower classes, Standards 1 to 4, who are not yet fluent in English.

“The coming of these new books has attracted lots of kids to turn their hearts to the library. They now understand that in the library there are important materials for their studies. I can see so many different faces coming to the library to read and borrow books”, as reported by Brighten.

MEP's BIG Fundraising Drive - Regular Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Lou Fitzpatrick) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:33:00 +0000

We're on a big fundraising drive and we're encouraging all our family, friends, friends of friends, and project supporters to sign up to give us £5 / £10 a month – or whatever you can afford! We aim to reach a target of £100,000 by the end of September this year… we’re getting there but we’re still a long way off!

MEP is going through some radical developments at the moment and we're really excited to launch in Malawi... but we need to reach our financial target to get there...

If you can give a monthly donation that would be a great big helping hand, and go a long way to helping reach our fundraising target, enabling us to launch the project in Malawi over and above the pilot project.

Currently pending charity status, we will soon be able to claim Gift Aid on your donations, meaning that the tax you've paid to the UK government will in turn be forwarded to us! Wehey! Be sure to send the Gift Aid declaration back to us if you are a UK tax payer.

There are many ways in which to donate money..

To make a regular payment:

You can download the .pdf Standing Order Form on the homepage of the website www.malawieducationproject.com, It's very simple. Included on there is a Gift Aid declaration which enables to claim some of the money you have paid in tax!

Alternatively you can set up a standing order yourself via internet banking. Please also complete the Gift Aid declaration and return it to us, which is connected to the Standing Order .pdf.

We encourage regular donations as it really helps us to sustain the project for the long term.

To make a one-off donation:

You can donate via Paypal. There is a simple ‘Donate Now’ link on the homepage, so whether you have a PayPal account or wish to use a credit / debit card, it is made very easy to use. The online Gift Aid declaration is coming soon – meanwhile you can get the Gift Aid declaration from the 'Standing Order' pdf.

You can post us a cheque, the good old-fashioned way, made out to 'Malawi Education Project'.
Please post it to us at First Floor, 12-13 King Square, Bristol, BS2 8JH.
Don't forget to send it along with the Gift Aid declaration which you can find on the Standing Order .pdf.

Your money will be used creatively and wisely on this small and only-pay-for-what-we-have-to project.

Thanks millions for your support!! We couldn't make this happen without YOU!!

Venue features the Malawi Education Project...

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Our lovely friends at Venue magazine have run a double page feature on the project this week. Special thanks to Julian Owen. The feature gives a brief overview of the project and the work that we do, and how people, like you, sitting there reading this, can get up and move and come and help us.

The feature is also promoting the best event happening in the whole of Bristol on Saturday 7th February. Namely our fundraiser! See our previous posting for all the details you need.

Toodle pip.

Malawi Education Project Fundraiser : Boxcutter / Appleblim / The Gasman / Sunken Foal + MORE!!

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Bristol underground music event organisers Freq. Happenings and Killings have joined forces to promote another formidable line up of artists showcasing some of British electronic music’s finest acts.

Boxcutter

Sunken Foal

The Gasman

Appleblim

Mark Swift

Gareth Clarke

Mount Kimbie

Jilk & Tulin Fée

Rocket Number 9

Filaria

Kinego Flux

The night is a fundraiser for the Malawi Education Project, a Bristol based charity which promotes literacy and learning in one of the worlds poorest countries. The events began life as a method of gathering much needed funds for the project but as they have grown, they evolved to become a vessel for raising awareness to both the plight of the people of Malawi and the great work that the charity do there.

The show of support by underground electronic music artists has been overwhelming and all the acts that have agreed to play at this, and past fundraisers, are waivering their fee as a contribution to the charity.

This is the blueprint for things to come. We already have a plethora of acts queuing up to play at the next events and we are indebted to all for showing their support and making the work at the charity more possible and in doing so, raising the profile of the important work that the charity do day to day.

The Croft. Saturday 7^th February. 21.00 – 04.00

Tickets £7 advance £8 on the door.

MEP Christmas Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Ho, ho, and indeed ho. 'Tis the season of merriment and festivities once again, and not being ones to let an opportunity to quiver your conscious slip by, MEP are pleased to introduce to you our 2008 Christmas Appeal.

Instead of the usual last minute panic buying buying of socks, chocolates or smoked welsh duck breast, this year, we are giving you the opportunity to buy your friends and loved ones things that make a real difference to the lives of those who will definitely receive none of the above this year.

£10 will pay for a school library to be protected from termites for a whole year. It may sound silly to you, but termites have this year made themselves enemy number 1 of the MEP by attempting to devour (at an alarming rate) the educational resources we have delivered to schools in Malawi. Help us make 2009 a year of doom to the pesky beasts, and make sure that the books are protected for many more years to come.

£15 kits out 2000 a secondary school students with a pen each.

£30 pays for 10% of a libraries stock to be shipped from the UK.

£55 furnishes a library with reading benches and tables

£100 shelves a library

Of course, any amount is welcome, and will be put to good use on the ground in Malawi.

In return for your kind donation, MEP will post you a beautiful handmade card from Malawi. The card will be blank so you can fill in your own message, and will contain a voucher stating what the donation will pay for.

To donate, please click on the Paypal link

**Please note that MEP will post cards out within 48hrs of receiving your donation, but we cannot guarantee donations received after 18/12/08 will receive their card by Christmas Day, So please send early.**

Merry Christmas!

MEP Fundraiser at The Cube

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:10:00 +0000

Joe has started to do regular music fundraisers at various venues throughout Bristol to raise funds for the project. Below are the details of the first gig. If you're in Bristol be sure to come along.....

The Cube. Friday November 28th.
ROCK vs Hip HOP //// GONGA vs SE FIRE

With DJ Tricks by.....
GEOFF BARROW (Portishead / Invada)
FAT PAUL (Invada), 7STU7 and REDG.

Happenings and Killings returns to The Cube after a considerable hiatus, now raising money from events for THE MALAWI EDUCATION PROJECT.

The first Invada signings GONGA, play their debut show at The Cube in Bristol. A rare chance to see the raw energy of this band caged in a seated space. The gig includes the full new line up, performing tracks from their critically acclaimed album 'Transmigration' which has had recent airplay on BBC Radio One, Radio 6 and BBC Radio Bristol. The brothers GONGA are joined by ex-Ackercocke bassist Peter Theobolds, and on vocal duties is Team Brick. Bring ear plugs.
http://www.myspace.com/g0nga

Battling Gonga this evening will be Bristol's SE FIRE. They have been making an indelible mark on Bristol's vibrant music scene over the last few years, and have also raised to the challenge of playing The Cube for the first time. They regularly rip up stages with their own unique blend of Hip Hop, Dub Step and Reggae, and have supported such Heavyweights as De La Soul, Lethal Bizzle, Roots Manuva and The Scratch Perverts.
http://www.myspace.com/sefire1

On record duties will be the brains behind Invada Records, Portishead's Geoff Barrow and Fat Paul. They will be doing battle with 7stu7 and Redg into the night.

Doors 8pm. £6. Friday 28th November.

http://www.myspace.com/happeningskillingsvolk
http://www.malawieducationproject.com

Update on Shambala Art Exhibition...

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:41:00 +0000

We are pleased to report that the opening night of the Shambala/Jibbering Art Exhibition (full info above) was a HUGE success! Over 600 people came through the doors, swiftly bidding large sums on some of the incredible artworks on sale.

The Birmingham Exhibition is hopefully going to follow suit, attracting more art lovers and new project supporters. See flyer for full info...

Once against, thanks to Jibbering and all the crew involved in organising the event.

Chatterbooks presentation to 7-11yr olds

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:35:00 +0000

MEP were invited to partake in a Chatterbooks reading club gathering at Bishopsworth Library in Bristol last Saturday. New volunteer Katie went along with Lou to show photo boards and have chats, which lead to loads of questions and discussions on the difference in schooling, family, pets and life in general between the UK and Malawi. The children packed up 12 boxes of donated reading books, then wrote Bristol Postcards to young people in Malawi telling them about themselves and asking questions to Malawians. During the latter part of this year, Malawian children will respond with letters back to the Bishopsworth Chatterbooks group.

Shambala Art Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Shambala Festival and Jibbering Art have teamed up to support MEP with an amazing and unique exhibition of urban artworks. The festival invited over 30 heavyweight, cutting edge and internationally recognised artists to do there business (as it were) live during the festival, on more than 2000 sq ft of boards around the site.

The contributing artists include:

Cyclops, Dicy, Dora, Faith 47, Feek, Fluid, Glenn Anderson, Juice 126, Junc, L.L Brainwashed, Lucy McLauchlin, Mac 1, Mark 2, Matt Watkins, Milk, Motorboy, Mr Jago, Newso, Outcrowd Collective, Paris, Plimsoul, Ponk, Rowdy, Semor and co, Sickboy, Sweet Toof, Will Barras and Yaka.

The result was stunning, and along with other donated pieces, these original artworks are going up for sale at exhibitions in London and Birmingham. The London show is to be held in Cordy House, Shoreditch EC2A 3SB from Friday the 19th- 21st September, with an opening night party on Thursday the 18th to kick things off in style. The night will feature live art, Afrika Jam DJs, Yaaba Funk soundsystem, The Mighty Jam Jah Sound (Friendly Fire) and more.

And if that wasn't enough, those fantastic Jibbering folk are relocating the whole party to their home town of Birmingham later in the autumn (dates TBC). All of the monies raised from the sale of the pieces will be shared between MEP and Banunule Primary School for orphans in Uganda.

The MEP sends out huge love and nuff Respek' to all the artists, the Jibbering crew and Shambalans involved in putting together this amazing event. Its going to be a fantastic night for all!

find out more here:

www.jibbering.co.uk
www.shambalafestival.org
www.banunuleschool.org

Hadrian's wall walk is go!

noreply@blogger.com (Ellen Doherty) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Two of the projects' best friends, Lorraine Bow and Tim Quinton, are undertaking a massive 84 mile long trek along the fantastically beautiful Hadrian's wall to raise money for the Project.

The trip was planned for earlier this year, but postponed due to other commitments (in part as super-girl Lorraine was also training hard to Swim 3.5 miles from Plymouth to the Isle of White! Wooah there girl!)

The pair are off up North in just two little weeks, starting their trek on the 20th September, so get in there and sponsor them quicktime! Please also note that the website opperates in US dollars, so be sure to double the figure you intend to give. (Or triple, quadruple... we don't mind...)

The dynamic duo need your help to reach their fundraising goals. You can jump on board and sponsor them online:

Tim's page is here: http://www.dropcash.com/campaign/Unkle-Freak/tim_is_going_to_walk/

and Lorraine's is here: http://www.dropcash.com/campaign/LorraineH/lorraine_is_walking_84_yes

We wish them both the very best of luck, and are praying for good weather and minimal blisters all round. And of course, we extend a warm thanks for the efforts and energies put in towards raising money for the Project. Thanks guys! We'll see you at the finish line with a nice thermos of tea...

To find out more about Hadrian's wall, have a look here

Our new Landrover

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:07:00 +0000

A huge huge thank you to George and Julie who have donated us a marvelous landrover. This is monumental generosity and we are truly overwhelmed! The landrover is going to fill an amazing purpose in Malawi.

New Member of the MEP Team!

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:40:00 +0000

We are very pleased to welcome a new member of staff to the project. Allow us to introduce Ally Schooler, who will be taking charge of all aspects of the MEP fundraising. Ally is from Bristol and has two lovely children that we're all looking forward to meeting. She runs her own Fundraising and Project Development Consultancy.

Ally will be devising, implementing and developing our fundraising strategy as we move forward, and we are looking forward to spending time with her. We are grateful to Ally for the enthusiasm she has for the work we do, and for giving us her time, energy, knowledge and experience. Welcome to the team, Ally!

"I am really delighted to be part of the MEP team supporting the invaluable work taking place in Malawi. I am looking forward to the challenge of building a sustainable fundraising strategy for the organisation to enable the work to continue and where possible to increase
the amount of resource centres being built in Malawi.

Please keep your eyes peeled for appeals we are launching in the media to get the outstanding £10,000 needed to make this year's trip viable."

Back to the LOCAL

noreply@blogger.com (JOE) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:33:00 +0000

Ellen travelled back to her country roots on Monday to represent the project at a Pub Quiz and Raffle organised by Viv and Gareth Nutt. A great night was had by all, and £100 was raised for the Project. Gareth has also offered to source some football kits for the project, which would go down very well indeed.

Big MEP love goes out to Viv and Gareth, Mary the Quiz master, the Landlady and all the lovely locals at the Crown Inn in Lea, near Ross-on-Wye. Thanks guys!

Glastonbury Silent Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:46:00 +0000

The Malawi Education Project team escaped from Bristol for a night! Five of us squeezed into Lou's van, packed with boxes of prizes and camping equipment, and laughed all the way down to Pilton. It was here that we hosted a Silent Auction for the crew of the 2008 Glastonbury Festival. We had our own usual weird and wonderful mix of prizes to offer, but we are completely indebted to John Sherlaw for donating us loads of amazing bobbins... A Sony PSP, a fancy bag, loads of cool CDs and clothes, Ellen's body weight in cheese, artwork, small elephants, you name it folks, we had it. It was a hectic and highly enjoyable night and we raised very close to £1000! Amazing. Afterwards we all slept in Chris's massive tent on a very quiet festival site. It was all a massive ball of fun. A big thank you must go to project friends Emily and Michael Eavis for allowing the MEP to be the beneficiary of their annual fundraiser once again. Cheers!