Student nurses do their bit for Malawi

Student nurses in Norwich are throwing money down the toilet for a good cause.

The students and staff at the University of East Anglia's School of Nursing and Midwifery are asking people to 'spend a penny' by donating money for the toilet 'collection bowl' they have set up in the reception area at the school.

All the money raised will be going towards a project to build a toilet block at a primary school in Malawi.

Malawi is a poor country and the government cannot provide adequate facilities. Girls especially are deterred from attending school because of the lack of toilets.

Julia Hubbard, director pre-registration at the School of Nursing, said: 'Despite their huge academic commitments, these students have demonstrated compassion and empathy - fundamental attributes that the school is committed to foster in nursing education.'

The student council at the School of Nursing voted for a month of fundraising activities to support Malawi.

Other events taking place this month include a clothes swap organised by Sandra Steinle, cake sales and raffles. Drew Simpkin has already submitted to the pain of leg and chest waxing, and there will also be a sponsored swim organised by Liz Penman at Esporta near Asda at 9am to midday on Sunday, May 23.

The funds raised will be used to build a toilet block at the Kapalamula Primary School.

Nursing lecturers Charlene Lobo and David Burgess, who have visited Malawi and have been working with the students, said they were proud of the students' achievements, which have already doubled the original sum anticipated.

The link with Kapalamula is organised by the Norwich-Dedza Partnership, a local charity that enables various institutions and individuals to support development in that part of the world.

Donors can get information from the website at www.norwich-dedza.org.

Do you have a story about fundraising in Norwich? Contact Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.