African trip is an eye opener

Aug 14 2009 by Stirling Editorial Reporter, Stirling Observer Friday

SCHOOL trips are one of the highlights of a long term but they do not come more extraordinary than the one Max Summers experienced in June.

Seventeen-year-old Max, from Killearn, jetted off for a trip to Malawi with fellow pupils and staff from Balfron High School to spend two weeks at Robert Laws Secondary School in Embangweni, followed by a week travelling in the country.

The trip allowed them to meet the locals, teach students and experience local life.

The first fortnight was devoted to the pupils of Robert Laws Secondary School in northern Malawi, where keen rugby player Max spent his time teaching the sport to the students, aged 13-22.

He said students have to resit a failed year until they pass, explaining why the school still housed students in their twenties.

One of the main aims of the expedition was to develop greater cross-cultural learning and understanding.

“Social experiences are different,” he said. “They were very big on handshakes.

“The people also treat their elders differently and they are greatly respected.”

The final week saw the group travelling around the surrounding towns and countryside, introducing them to new environments where teachers and students worked together.

Max said: “I was driven to take part in the trip. I thought I might only have one shot to do it.

“It was a wholly positive experience. The locals were very friendly. It showed me a lot about cultural differences.”

He will return to Balfron High School to complete his final year then hopes to study dentistry.