Pupils plant seeds of partnership with Malawian plot

Published On Fri 24 May 2019 by Dominic Glasgow

Scotland’s ties to Malawi will break new ground this week when a new garden celebrating the links between the two countries is revealed to the public.

Dundee pupils from the Law Nursery, St Ninian’s Primary and Rosebank Primary will help plant the first seeds of celebration on Tuesday 28^th May, as their schools announce new partnerships with five Malawian schools.

The idea to create the new patch was developed by students from the University of Dundee and staff from NHS Tayside.

Catriona Grant, a fourth-year medical student from the University of Dundee, said that Ninewells Community Garden was the perfect place to showcase Scotland’s friendship with Malawi.

“It’s really important to celebrate the bond that exists between our countries,” she said. “We share in this bond of humanity. Dundee has a great history and continues to share knowledge and life-saving medicines and techniques.

“The plot will become home to flowers and vegetables such as beans and maize which also grow in Malawi. This will be an ideal spot for anyone from the local community to come and relax and enjoy the fresh air while celebrating the connection Dundee has to Malawi.

“We would be delighted to welcome anyone who wants to come and celebrate our Malawian showcase on Tuesday. There will be an opportunity to sample traditional Malawian food, play drums, dance to music and hear stories from health professionals about how this partnership has shaped lives and influenced health and education services in both countries.”

Lesley Marley, NHS Tayside Public Health Directorate Manager, said, “The Community Garden lies in the beautiful arboretum at Ninewells and promotes physical activity and healthy living through community gardening in an environment where horticulture supports wellbeing, therapy and rehabilitation.
 
“It plays a key part in the Health Promoting Health Service. This exciting and innovative work with a Malawi connection demonstrates the power of gardening at a world-community level. The Garden is free to visit and is open to all.”

Funding for the celebration event was awarded by the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) earlier this year, following a Youth Event Competition supported by the National Lottery Year of Young People fund.

The SMP is a membership organisation representing more than 1,200 Scottish organisations and key individuals, and a community of 94,000 people in Scotland with active links to Malawi. It exists to inspire the people and organisations of Scotland to be involved with Malawi in an informed, coordinated and effective way for the benefit of both nations.

David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the SMP, said, “Each year, more young Scots get involved in the 160-year-old friendship between Scotland and Malawi. With more than 45% of the population of Malawi under the age of 15, youth leadership is more important than ever.

“We are delighted to be supporting young people in Scotland to host events that celebrate the heritage and culture of Scotland and Malawi’s partnership. There is fantastic energy and creativity around young people that have had the chance to build friendships with Malawi.”

The new Malawi plot opens to the public on Tuesday 28 May at Ninewells Community Garden.

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk