Mrs Doyle’s Tea Party which took place in our house just over three weeks ago in Stradbally North, Clarinbridge was an outstanding success. To date €13,464.08 has been raised so far for Project Malawi with more contributions to come.
Such an amount of money is beyond our wildest expectations considering that our initial target was €4,000 which would build one classroom. Now we can build at least two classrooms and equip them with tables and chairs for the children in Matandani Primary School which is located near the town of Zomba in the south of Malawi.
On the day of the Tea Party our home was filled with the sound of laughter, children playing and people chatting to one another over a cup of tea. Newcomers to the area got to meet their neighbours for the first time and while all this was happening vital funds were being raised for Matandani Primary School .
The project leader Andy Monaghan who teaches in Scoil Bhride Portlaoise came to the Tea Party and spoke about his work in Malawi over the last six and where the money goes. His is a small charity and he pays all fees associated with it himself. This means that every cent and every euro raised goes directly to the school. Malachy and I pay all our own expenses, travel, vaccinations, accommodation etc. which we are fortunate enough to be able to do .
Mrs. Doyle’s Tea Party could not have happened without the support of all our wonderful neighbours, friends and family as well as the business community in Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and surrounding areas. We are extremely grateful to all of you for your generosity and kindness .
The good news is that the local builder in Matandani and the chief of the village have already started to mark out the foundations for the new classrooms. We didn’t expect the work to get started so quickly. There is obviously no An Bord Planala in Malawi!
Malachy and I are travelling in July and all going well I hope to keep you updated on the progress of our trip on my Facebook page. It is still possible to donate online to Project Malawi at www.idonate.ie/mrsdoylesteaparty
Mrs. Doyle’s Tea Party is evidence of what one small community in the West of Ireland can do for another small community in the South of Malawi.
