Why are you supporting this project?
Isabel Ramblas: “We want to help children in our city who, right from birth, face a pretty tough existence. The Allegra Casa Hogar is home to 20 kids from difficult family backgrounds. We feel that we can at least contribute to providing a secure atmosphere for them to grow up in. It helps that here they are able to live with their siblings, something which is not normally the case in other children’s homes in Mexico.”

How has the MIT supported the children’s home?
Marisol Sanchez: “With its donation of 4,000 euros, we were able to build a wall around the site. This is important in order to give the children a feeling of safety and protection.”

What other projects are in the pipeline?
Isabel Ramblas: “This year we hope to install a new early learning room. We expect to be heavily involved in this and will again be trying to attract donations.”

What was the purpose of the invitation?
John Shaw: “Cultural exchange! Ophent Kalawonga, the principal of Zombwe School in Malawi, spent two weeks at Hatfield’s Countess Anne Church of England Primary School in the autumn of 2010. He wanted to see life and learning in a typical British school. He also talked to the school children about culture in Malawi.”

What form did the lessons take?
John Shaw: “He told the children about the geographical and political situation in Malawi and described life there. By the time he had finished, the kids were even able to say a few sentences in the Malawi language! He also cooked meals from his homeland so as to give the students a taste of Malawian cuisine.”

Why was this cultural exchange worthwhile?
John Shaw: “The children of both countries will benefit from having their horizons extended through this contact."