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How To Make A Malawian Soccer Ball

After a visit by a Malawian official who spoke about the rampant problem of AIDS orphans in Africa, science teacher Matt Meehan suggested the kids in the middle school where he teaches south of Boston try to do something about it. Ian Crittenden, 13, took the initiative, drafting a proposal and calling a meeting. About 50 kids showed up. They organized web, finance and publicity committees and held an election of officers for the Malawi Pangea Project. Ian was elected president.

So far, the kids have launched the blog and raised $340. They are collecting school supplies and working on other fundraising ideas. They are in webcast contact with Malawian orphans this week, thanks to a local man, Isa Ebowe, whose registered charity they have affiliated themselves with. Ebowe, who is Meehan’s neighbor, is now in Malawi delivering aid and facilitating what he hopes will be just the first of contacts between African and American schools. Patriot-Ledger news report here. I like this part: 

Ian Crittenden, who formed the seventh-grade Malawi Council, said he sees no limits for the group.

“I kind of just want to make a difference in the world and make it better,” he said.

Malawian kids are guestblogging on their site, too. Here’s AIDS orphan Paulo on how to make a Malawian soccer ball:

1. You take an old blanket.

2. Rip the blanket into strips.

3. Tie the strips together to make longer strips of fabric.

4. Weave the strips of fabric into a ball shape.

5. Wrap the ball with an old plastic bag.

6. Wrap the plastic ball with more blanket strips.

7. You will get a Malawian soccer ball.

Hmm, sounds like they could use sports equipment, too. Donations to Canterio International, the registered charity the Malawi Pangea Project is working with, here. Anyone who wants to donate supplies can contact the group via the email listed at the top of the Malawi Council’s most excellent and very active site.

Topics: Malawi, education

  Posted by Jules Crittenden at 10:48 am on Thursday, June 11, 2009

2 Responses to “How To Make A Malawian Soccer Ball”

1. Fausta’s Blog » Blog Archive » The WHO, the Malawi soccer balls, Paygo, and the roundup Says:
   June 11th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

   [...] but the World Health Organization. ——————————— Jules explains How To Make A Malawian Soccer Ball [...]

2. sarah rolph Says:
   June 12th, 2009 at 6:25 am

   Very, very cool. Heartening.

   The Malawi Council website is indeed most excellent.

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