Michael Russell keen to strengthen Scots links with Malawi

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 19/10/2012 00:00

EDUCATION secretary Michael Russell is to visit anti-poverty projects in Malawi during a trip to Africa later this month.

Mr Russell is visiting schemes funded by the Scottish Government as part of the latest initiative in a friendship agreement signed between Scotland and Malawi.

His visit comes in advance of the bicentenary of explorer David Livingstone’s birth which will be celebrated in both Scotland and Malawi next year.

The minister will meet those involved in the work of the Mary’s Meals charity, which provides daily meals for school pupils, and visit projects set up to provide backpacks and other educational support materials to school children in Malawi.

Mr Russell said: “This annual meeting is a crucial part of the Scottish Government’s work with the Malawian Government, at which we agree Scotland’s annual investment of at least £3 million in areas such as health and education to achieve sustainable change.

“It is a partnership of skills and expertise that helps fight extreme poverty.

“I am very much looking forward to further developing our understanding of the ways in which the education systems can work together.”