Published: Thursday, 2nd July, 2009 6:00am

Teacher will educate herself Malawi trip

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A GULLANE Primary School teacher is sacrificing her home comforts to spend a month educating kids in rural Malawi, Africa.

Val Travers is the first county teacher to take part in the Global Teachers programme, funded by Learning Teaching Scotland with the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), which offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience another country"s education system first-hand.

Part of a team of 14 Scottish teachers assigned to the impoverished southern African state, Mrs Travers departed on her incredible journey on Saturday and will spend the next four weeks living with a local family in a rural community in the Dedza District and teaching in Chimkombero Full Primary School.

During her stay, she will have to get used to life without certain home comforts, such as running water or electricity. Before her departure Mrs Travers, who lives in North Berwick, said: 'I am extremely excited about going to work in Malawi, though obviously a little apprehensive at present about the "unknown factor" – it is the first time the school and family have had an overseas visitor.

'A family of six are giving up one of their three rooms for me and the school is one of the largest in the area.

'This once-in-a-lifetime experience is bound to have a profound effect on my future thinking and working within education and have a positive impact on myself, school and wider community.'

Following her placement, Val will work with children at Gullane Primary to raise awareness of global citizenship and developmental issues in Africa.

She also hopes to make an official link between Gullane and the Malawian school so teachers can share expertise with each other.

'I"d like to thank members of the North Berwick Christian Fellowship, parents and colleagues from Gullane Primary School and friends and family who have made donations and supported me in preparing for the trip,' she said.

To make a donation to Val"s trip, visit www.justgiving.com/malawigt09valtravers

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