BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

The start of 2026 has marked an extraordinary period of progress for Project Malawi, with the Blue Coat School community coming together to make a tangible and lasting difference at Mlomba Primary School.

 

Community Fundraising

January saw the inaugural BCS Burns Night and Ceilidh bring together almost 100 members of the school community. Thanks to the generosity of our catering partners, Holroyd Howe, and the enthusiastic support of parents and staff, the evening raised an impressive £2,300. Alongside this, our Colours of the Flag non-uniform day saw pupils proudly wearing red, green and black, raising a further £1,220.

These events are more than fundraising, they are a reflection of a community united by purpose.

We were also delighted to receive confirmation of a successful £1,000 grant from The Friends of Malawi Association, further strengthening the project’s sustainability.

A group of parents of BCS children sit around a table at the Ceilidh event.
A group of BCS parents sitting around a table smiling at the camera at a Ceilidh event.

Building Connections Beyond the Classroom

Project Malawi continues to foster meaningful global connections between pupils in Malawi and at The Blue Coat School Birmingham.

As part of their Mini Blue programme, Year 2 pupils wrote postcards to children in Malawi, sharing their experiences of life at Blue Coat. These will be hand-delivered during Mrs Newman and Mrs Buncher’s planned visit in June 2026. These activities create a powerful and personal link between the two schools.

A Transformational Milestone

A major focus this term has been the development of a sustainable water source at Mlomba Primary School. Following surveys and careful planning, drilling began in February. At a depth of 33 metres, water was successfully located, with further water found up to 45 metres.

Following a full pump test, a hand pump was confirmed as the most appropriate solution. This has now been installed, providing clean, accessible water directly on the school site. Previously, the nearest water source to the school was a 10-minute walk away. Therefore, this is a significant milestone that will improve health, enable more time in the classroom and enhance daily school life for pupils and staff.

People drilling for a water source in Malawi.
The pump which was funded by Project Malawi being installed at Mlomba Primary School

Investing in Teaching and Learning

Alongside infrastructure improvements, we continue to invest in educational development in Malawi. Funded by The Blue Coat School Birmingham, a teacher from Mlomba Primary School attended specialist Jolly Phonics training, strengthening early literacy teaching. 

Alongside academic support, Project Malawi is also working with colleagues in Malawi to improve pupil wellbeing and staff support. In February, members of the BCS pastoral team delivered a comprehensive training session for 15 members of staff at Playdor School, focusing on the basic concepts of counselling and pastoral care.

This is not a one-off initiative. Ongoing collaboration is already planned, with follow-up training sessions in development focusing on key areas such as bullying and self-esteem. In parallel, a dedicated pastoral handbook is being created to provide continued guidance and consistency for staff.

The Happy Classroom Project

In January, Mrs Newman met with Justin Namizinga, Malawi Operations Director for the boNGO Happy Classrooms Project, to confirm the continuation of this important initiative. 

Thanks to the grant from The Friends of Malawi Association, work is now underway to refurbish two classrooms at Mlomba Primary School. Transforming them into vibrant, curriculum-based, print-rich learning environments. These spaces are designed to support more engaging, interactive teaching and to enhance pupils’ learning experiences.

Alongside physical improvements, the project is helping to build teaching confidence and strengthen classroom practice, ensuring long-term impact beyond the initial transformation.

Videos and images of the progress illustrate the scale of change already taking place, bringing to life the difference this initiative is making for both staff and pupils.

Two people looking at plans for classroom development at Mlomba Primary School. The classroom walls in the background show alphabet sounds painted by the boNGO Happy Classroom Project funded by Project Malawi.
A man is painting graphics on the wall as part of the boNGO Happy Classroom project funded by Project Malawi.
Two people are looking at the painting on the classroom wall designed by boNGO Happy Classroom Project funded by Project Malawi.

This progress is a direct result of the generosity, energy and commitment of the Blue Coat community. Every event, every donation and every act of support is helping to create lasting change. Ensuring that Project Malawi continues to grow, thrive and make a meaningful difference for years to come.