A total of 13 pupils from Glasgow’s secondary schools were chosen to join the expedition.
THESE pupils are heading off Malawi as part of a learning partnership with African country.
They will be followed by a team of construction workers on a mercy mission to provide modern medical facilities.
Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, whose office sponsors the tradesmen’s Malawi trip, said: “It makes me extremely proud that staff from the council and City Building are so willing to help the people of Malawi.
“To the new apprentices, I can assure them it will be an experience of a life time. It will be hard work but rewarding. The team has my very best wishes.”
The six-strong squad, including two Commonwealth apprentices and Glasgow City Councillor Paul Carey, will transform the former Lilongwe Town Hall into a clinic.
They will also carry out maintenance work at the town’s Kamuzu Central Hospital.
But first, the Malawi Young Leaders of Learning (MYLOL) will work with their peers in Blantyre Secondary School on a number of joint projects.
The educational programme is designed to help youngsters sharpen their leadership skills as well as raise their understanding of global issues.
Councillor Stephen Curran, executive member for education, said he was impressed the young people raised more than £20,000 in the last year to fund their trip.
He said: “The young people are to be applauded for their dedication and commitment.”
The trip will be the council’s ninth, and is the latest stage in almost a decade of humanitarian work carried out by Glasgow City Council.
It will be the first time that apprentices have been give the opportunity to contribute to work in Malawi.
Commonwealth apprentice painter Lee Raeburn, 18,and Commonwealth apprentice joiner Lee Thomson, 19, were selected for the trip.
Lee said: “Being chosen for the Malawi team has really boosted my confidence – I can’t wait to get started.”
Donations of materials and equipment totalling £200,000 for the clinic build have been donated by Gap, Grahams, Headlam and PPG.
Meanwhile, the council has agreed to donate two refuse lorries to Malawi.
The two vehicles have been in service with Glasgow City Council for the past seven years but have reached the end of their working life.
They will now be taken out to Malawi and used by Lilongwe City Assembly, the local council there.
catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk
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