Matthew Harmon
Every child deserves an education. Raising funds for AGS Malawi Initiative
Fundraising for AGS Malawi Initiative
Story
Over the last 12 years Aylesbury Grammar School (AGS) and its students and have been raising money to make a difference to children’s lives in the Zomba area of Malawi. So far, the initiative has raised over £170,000 and has helped improve ICT infrastructure, electrical supply, educational resources, sports equipment and has built classrooms and new preschools.
In September 2023 a new secondary school will be opened in Msalabani in the Southern region of Malawi. AGS fundraising is directly financing the building of the school and the materials both students and teachers will need. With the first classroom blocks already under construction, it such an opportunity for children in the region, and will help with the acute shortage of secondary schools in Malawi.
In July 2023 I am very fortunate to be taking part in an exchange trip to Malawi. As part of the exchange, we will be directly helping at the Secondary school and in the region. The type of activities we will be carrying out are potentially painting the school, delivering water coolers and mosquito nets, installing sports equipment. We’ll also have the opportunity to meet and work with the children who will attend the school, helping them with computer skills, sports and also spending time learning about their lives and culture.
All the funds I raise will go directly towards the school, its facilities and the children. Any costs incurred for the trip have already been paid so everything I raise will be used for the school. For those that know me, I love sport and I feel that every child should get the opportunity to play sport at school. It teaches so much about teamwork, leadership, friendship and supports both physical and mental health in so many ways. I’d like to raise sufficient funds to help the new secondary school supply teaching materials like laptops, books and desks but also basic sport equipment: goals, trainers, balls and other kit.
In previous trips, AGS have supported many initiatives to benefit children’s research and safety in the region. We’ve funded and built new preschools, toilet blocks, classroom blocks and provided equipment like computers to help teachers, netball posts, medical equipment, water coolers and mosquito nets. Just some of the support students have funded and many things that we take for granted in our day to day lives.
I’m going to carry out fundraising activities with family and friends and with the support of my basketball team, MK Breakers. I’ll also be reaching out to businesses and my extended network for support. I’ll be going there in July 2023 and want to raise enough funds to make a difference, my initial target is £3000.
For more information please look at the AGS web site: https://malawi.ags.bucks.sch.uk/