Ilona Asztalos: I’ve Started My Work at the Jacaranda Foundation School

The past few days have been active and exciting for me here in Malawi. Riding a bicycle provided by the Jacaranda Foundation. I set off with my new housemate David (a volunteer from the Netherlands) to explore the Foundation's school and its surroundings, and to finally meet the local residents.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Luc Deschamps, the school director, and his wife, Marie Da Silva, the school's founder.

I didn't come empty-handed: our Association donated stationery supplies to the Foundation. After handing these over, we discussed our plans for the coming weeks, including the photography classes and the continuation of our tree planting project, which was launched by Földkelte back in 2016. Afterwards, I was given a tour of the school by Shiela, who graduated from Jacaranda Secondary School last year and is now preparing for college.

This was a great opportunity to meet some of the teachers and staff working at the school. Although lessons officially start on 18 September, the children at Jacaranda already have quite a busy schedule. My photography club, however, is starting this week with five recent graduates who are currently waiting for their college entrance results. We're planning to organise an exhibition of the photos they produce.

Both the students and their teachers are full of enthusiasm, and there is a wonderful sense of joy throughout the school. I hope the coming weeks will be just as rewarding!

I'll be back with more news soon!

~ Ilona