Scotland and Malawi
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The Scottish Malawi Appeal Fund was launched on June 1, 2005 by First Minister Jack McConnell.
He had just returned from a visit to the African country which has strong historical links with Scotland dating back to the time of David Livingstone, the 19th century missionary and explorer.
Ministers hope to develop these links and harness the generosity of Scots to help Malawi, which is among the 10 poorest countries in the world.
Best selling author Alexander McCall Smith, who was born in Zimbabwe and now lives in Edinburgh, is donating the royalties from his latest book - The Girl who Married a Lion - a Collection of 40 African folk tales - to the Malawi appeal.
"Scotland and Malawi are old friends. We are rich; they are not. For many years, Scottish missionaries and teachers went to that country to help the people of the beautiful and gentle country. There may be comparatively little that we can do, but every little counts to help those for whom life is hard. It really makes a difference.
"I am delighted to donate the proceeds of one of my books to this fund. I know that the money will be used well.
"And I know that the people on the receiving end - the people who will get the grants to help them get going, to help them with education and health - these people will thank you who give with all their heart - with all their heart."
Malawi and Scotland video
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Practical measures advanced by the Scottish government so far include a £120,000 grant, from a new International Development Fund, to support a three year programme to train up to 300 Malawian nursing staff, a plan to improve teacher training, and a scheme - the first of its kind in the UK - to offer financial backing to 10 Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) volunteers who may be experienced Scottish medical professionals who can help with problems caused by HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty.
The Scottish Parliament debated the situation in Africa in May - watch a video from the Holyrood chamber or read the FM's speech where he urges Scots to begin to right the wrongs visited on the African continent.
Scottish Malawi Appeal Fund
St Colm's International House
23 Inverleith Terrace
Edinburgh EH3 5NS
0131 467 2269
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