A LONG-STANDING friendship between Scotland and Malawi has been celebrated at an event in Peeblesshire.
Innerleithen Church hosted the Anthu Pamodzi photographic exhibition at the end of February to mark 20 years of the partnership.
It brings to life the contributions of schools, churches, universities, community groups, charities and professional bodies across both nations.
Innerleithen was chosen as an early host venue for the exhibition, set to tour Scotland, due to the church’s relationship with Thondwe, a rural village in southern Malawi.
Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) chief executive Stuart Brown said: “The first to see the exhibition were students from St. Ronan’s and St. Mary’s schools, who engaged enthusiastically and came up with a whole host of interesting questions.
“There has also been a really positive reception from members of the local community who have been universally encouraging about local and national links with Malawi.”
Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn Parish Church has been twinned with Thondwe Church of Central Africa Presbyterian for the past two decades, leading to the creation of the Thondwe Community Partnership.
This aims to promote mutual learning, friendship and development.
Anthu Pamodzi, meaning ‘people together’ in Chichewa, one of the African country’s main languages, showcases powerful stories of cooperation across themes such as education, healthcare and climate action.
The images were handpicked by members of communities in Scotland and Malawi.
Mr Brown added: “Individuals, schools, universities, church and community groups, professional bodies and charities – big and small – throughout Scotland are having a transformative impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities in Malawi.
“Interaction with Malawians from the country known as the warm heart of Africa opens up the worldview and perspectives of Scotland’s young people and global citizens of all ages, so the people of both nations benefit.
“We are grateful to all who joined us, shared in these stories, and helped make the event such a success.”
The exhibition is part of celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of both the SMP and its Malawi-based sister organisation, the Malawi Scotland Partnership.
