Community School funded by SMBC Aviation Capital in Mtsinje in southern Malawi officially opens

-SMBC Aviation Capital commits to further three year financial support for Open Arms Malawi-

Malawi, March 26th 2018:SMBC Aviation Capital has announced that it has committed further financial support for three years Open Arms Malawi to fund its ongoing programmes including the construction of the charity's ninth nursery in the Mangochi area.This coincided with the opening of a new community school in Mtsinje in southern Malawi, also funded by the company.The school opened its doors to children this month and has now been handed over to the community to manage through a School Management Committee.

SMBC Aviation Capital, Ireland, funded the construction of the nursery school and in total has sent 19 volunteers to work with Open Arms Malawi over the past two years.In addition, a further 10 employees will travel to Malawi in June 2018 to assist with the construction of the next nursery project.

"We are very pleased to continue this journey with Open Arms Malawi for the next three years.This is a project which our entire team has embraced, both through fundraising and donations."

"To get a hands on snapshot of real life in Malawi is an unforgettable experience.The nursery school is a tremendous achievement and one which will have a lasting impact in Malawi.The benefits will reach beyond the walls of the school as families and older siblings will not have to miss work or school to look after the children who will now be at school.We are extremely grateful for SMBC Aviation Capital's support.'

The School Management Committee will work with parents, teachers and the wider community to get the most out of the school and the potential it brings to the small village.Open Arms will support the teachers and provide food for the daily meals but the village will run and own the school, giving a boost to the local community as well as the children.