SOMEHOW, one does not think of wellington boots being worn in
Africa, but apparently, in Malawi, they are needed as much as a
protection against snakes as against mud. The Mothers' Union in
Birmingham has had a link with Malawi for nearly
50 years, Claire Laland says, and in recent years has been sending
containers of school furniture, clothing, games equipment, and many
other supplies, to go to schools, hospitals, and community
projects.
The most recent request was for boots, because the floods had
brought out the snakes, and the children were in danger of being
bitten. Mrs Laland got in touch with her local infant school to see
if they could produce some out-grown boots. The response was 40
colourful pairs, and they are now in a container on their way to
Malawi, where they should arrive in the middle of June.