VISIT TO MSEMA
TO
OPEN THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL AT MSEMA
BY
H E JONATHAN SHEPPARD, HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAWI
TALKING POINTS
TUESDAY, 7 AUGUST 2007
It’s a pleasure to be here today to officially open the
Australian Primary School at Msema which Searchlight Orphan Care
has built with funds both from the Australian Government and the
Australian AIDS Fund Inc which has supported a wide number of
activities here in Msema. It is thanks to its Director, Mr Brian
Haill, that the Australian Government became aware of Searchlight
Orphan Care exactly two years ago.
Australia is pleased to be associated with such initiatives funded
under its Small Activities Scheme which provides targeted assistance
to communities. Assisting children and young people to have access
to education in rural areas is of real interest to the Australian
Government which also recognizes the vital need to help children
deal with the effects of HIV/AIDS. Many children in Malawi and
neighbouring countries have lost a parent to AIDS and due to economic
hardship are unable to attend school.
In any event, I am very aware of how difficult it is for rural
pupils to achieve a basic education. I am also aware of the challenges
faced by rural school teachers and parents in their endeavours
to provide decent education to their children. It is my hope that
this small donation to Searchlight Orphan Care will assist the
Msema community in its efforts to provide access to an education
for its children.
You have made a solid start to the school with the establishment
of these initial buildings but I’m pleased to see that you
also have plans to expand, particularly in view of the large demand
for primary education from the community. I am impressed by the
fact that you have also established a secondary school in the
area as this is essential in complementing this basic education
and in ensuring that at least some children are able to realise
their full potential.
You may be interested to know that Australia is currently providing
MWK1.7 billion (AUD12 million) over three years to improve the
lives of some five million children, many of whom have been orphaned
by AIDS in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Close to a third of
this funding has been earmarked for UNICEF’s Children and
AIDS program in Malawi which aims to support Malawi’s national
plan of action on orphans and other vulnerable children.
On a wider scale, this year Australia will provide nearly MWK12
billion (AUD82 million) in development and humanitarian assistance
to a range of countries in southern and eastern Africa using mechanisms
such as post graduate scholarships in Australia (seven to Malawi
this year), programs with NGOs and multilateral agencies as well
as humanitarian support. This range of support demonstrates the
continuing positive relationship between Australia and Africa
and the concerns felt within Australia for the people of Africa.
Let me take this opportunity to thank your other Australian partner
who has been a major supporter of the Msema community, Mr Brian
Haill of the Australian AIDS Fund Inc. It is Mr Haill who contacted
AusAID in seeking financial assistance for the school and we are
very pleased to be associated with his organisation in this project.
The Australian AIDS Fund Incorporated is arguably Australia's
smallest AIDS care charity, without any paid staff, that's also
provided assistance to other parts of the world including other
countries in Africa.
Finally, I should like to commend Pastor Duncan Nsomba for his
considerable efforts in support of the community and particularly
for founding the Australian Primary School. He can be proud that
his hard work and indeed that of the whole community is beginning
to pay dividends and will continue to do so in the years ahead
through these children that are being provided with an education
and a future.
I am impressed with what is being done here, by the leadership
of the community, school, parents and pupils. I congratulate you
all and wish you well for the future. I thank you for inviting
me. |
