For the last 5 years (pre-COVID-19) groups of students have been fortunate to have visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blantyre and seen first- hand the dedication, skill and hard-work of the doctors, nurses and technicians who work there. As a college we believe that it is important for our students to broaden their experiences of the world and visiting Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, provides them with this; there couldn’t be a greater contrast with the life that they know. We are privileged to be warmly welcomed by the staff at the hospital and receive a tour of the wards.

Visits to the hospital are both challenging and inspiring for both college students and college staff alike as we are able to see the fantastic work of the doctors, yet we also see and hear from some of the patients whose lives are challenged in ways in which we cannot fathom. Hospital staff are faced with additional challenges of high number of patients and a lack of funds, however the level of care and innovation we saw at the hospital was exceptional. We saw sustainable wooden incubators heated by light bulbs (western versions are costly to run and difficult and expensive to repair) and the Kangaroo Care Unit where a back- to- basics approach of having a baby strapped to the mother’s body instead of separated in a plastic incubator has increased infant survival rates. It is humbling to see that the approaches and technology on which we have come to rely on in the UK, are not the best or only solution.

The wheelchair workshop is an amazing facility and one in which we are proud to support. To see the skill, care and consideration that goes into making wheelchairs, prosthetics and support chairs that change the lives of their recipients and families is inspirational. Our students were moved by the stories of children who, as a direct result of receiving a wheelchair, are able to access school, join their friends, gain some independence, and allow their parent or guardian the opportunity to work. It truly is life-changing. Students were inspired by the engineering skills of the team who work tirelessly to produce their equipment with frequent limitations on access to materials. They do an outstanding job.

Throughout the year, the students organise various fundraising activities to enable us to continue to support this amazing charity. We feel honoured to be a part of it.