THE impact of a bond between a Borders parish and an African community has been praised.

The Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn (ITW) congregation has been twinned with Thondwe Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) for the past 16 years.

That relationship has been recognised by Church of Scotland general assembly moderator Shaw Paterson following his “life-changing trip” to Malawi in August.

On the partnership, a spokesperson for the national church’s Faith Impact team said: “You have a great story to tell, and you should be proud of your twinning with Thondwe, the friendships you have developed over the years and the support you have given to individuals and the community there.”

Through the years there are many practical examples of successful joint projects.

These include chicks4grannys which provided nutritious food, roofs for shelter and desks in classrooms to improve learning.

These and other activities regularly come to the attention of the Faith Impact team.

Dr Paterson made the trip to Africa – accompanied by his wife and NHS nurse Christine – to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the CCAP.

In Thondwe, near Zomba, he had the opportunity to meet with the congregation twinned with ITW and took part in the blessing of a new bridge connecting the community with the school.

The Naiwale bridge was damaged during Cyclone Freddy last year.

It prevented 1,000 children from crossing safely each day on their way to primary school.

The rebuild provided important work for the community and the bridge also gives safe access to the clinic and market in the nearby trading centre.

Dr Paterson said: “It has been a life-changing experience for me – I have been enriched.

“Let’s think how we can share our resources, our expertise, and let’s think about how we can learn from the folks in Malawi because they have so much that they can teach – let’s partner.”

To commemorate his visit, the moderator presented the Thondwe congregation with a tile that will be framed, a symbol of his encouragement to building and coming together.

ITW’s Denis Robson said: “Based on a longstanding shared history between Malawi and Scotland, our communities can come together to create a reciprocal partnership for development.”

ITW church enjoys the partnership with the Thondwe community, offering multiple opportunities for collaboration based on a ‘two-way people-to-people relationship’.

Dr Paterson has confirmed a visit to Innerleithen on Sunday, March 2, to share his experience of the time spent in Thondwe and all are welcome.

Contact denisjrobson@gmail.com for more information.