14 February is Warm Heart of Africa Day

Sharing cultural ideas and life experiences has enriched the lives of the children in both Tweeddale and the Africa country.

And this event, which is also designed to take away the stress that some young people feel around Valentine’s Day, is now entering its fourth year.

Celebrations vary from wearing hearts in the shape of the St Andrew’s Cross and the flag of Malawi; while others wear socks with hearts on them or just draw a temporary ‘tattoo’ on the backs of their hands.

It is a vehicle to focus on the partnership specifically on one day and children in Malawi also acknowledge the day and make hearts in a range of ways too.

In the past the Malawi pupils have used the day as a fundraiser (purchasing school supplies and desks for the classrooms in Thondwe) but since the pandemic, that has been more challenging.

Last year the children challenged each other to do a random act of kindness for a family member or neighbour.

This year the St Ronan’s youngsters have been asked to take a photograph of a heart somewhere in their surrounding area.

It could be at home, in school, or at a local landmark.

And this month pupils from Walkerburn Primary School are hoping to join in the celebrations.

The local Rotary Club said that it “sincerely appreciates the time and effort invested by retired teacher Ms Shirley Bean and the Malawi groups over the years to build this strong relationship”.

Should you want to make a donation by buying a Valentines eCard to help lift Thondwe children off the floor and onto a desk please contact Denis Robson: iwtrotary@btintenet.com.