FIVE volunteers from across the Borders are jetting off to Malawi to help with development projects in the area.

At the end of July, the group set off to host a development camp for young Malawian males to build confidence and leadership skills.

Activities will include construction work to restore an elderly woman’s home damaged by recent floods.

And the group will also take time to hike up Mount Mulanje to reach the highest peak in Malawi.

After planning the expedition last summer, the group has need to raise over £1000 each for the project.

Denis Robson, Graham Little, Thea Panter, John Little and Sophie Wilson will team up with five Malawian leaders to host the pilot programme.

Through the Rotary Young Leaders (RYLA) programme, the Scottish Borders group was able to link up with the Rotary Club of Limbe, to plan the project.

Travelling to Zomba, in Malawi, the objective is to develop leadership skills for both the 16-21-year olds taking part and the young Borderers involved.

Innerleithen's Denis Robson, the group leader, has been involved in making connections with the Zomba district for many years.

Denis told us: “Our focus is on creating a sustainable model for educating people to become young leaders.

“RYLA is a worldwide programme offered by the Rotary to improve the leadership skills of young men and women.

“We are delighted to be taking part in the pilot RYLA Malawi programme and hope to encourage the local rotary clubs to adopt the model in future years and make it sustainable.

“We have an amazing set of Border Exploration Group leaders and graduates who will be able to help share their skills and confidence to the Malawian youths.

“And I hope they develop a great international understanding that they can have throughout their lives.”

As part of the development project, the group will work with local skilled people to rebuild a storm damaged home in Liwonde.

Malawi often is hit by extreme weather conditions and the recent Cyclone Idai was no exception.

Additionally, the programme will include a Climate Mitigation project on the Zomba plateau.

Working alongside the Forestry Department the team will prepare a site to plant 2500 trees in October.

And educate the community living in the forest to preserve the highly valued resource.

It is hoped that these daily activities, together with evening workshops, will develop skills in teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, communication and leadership.

A self- assessment questionnaire will be completed before and after the event covering self-confidence, communication skills, practical and leadership ability and general happiness.

A presentation to parents/guardians will be given by the young Malawians on the final day explaining what benefit the camp has had for them and how they can apply the experience for the benefit of the community.

President-Elect Bernard at the Rotary Club of Limbe:

“The RYLA-Malawi Program will offer an opportunity for Malawian youth to nurture and grow their leadership skills and potential, through boot camp interaction with their Scottish counterparts.

Although the team from Scotland will pay their own travel costs, they are still fundraising to meet the expenses of running the RYLA development camp.

Sponsorship is needed to cover the cost of all food, accommodation, transport and building materials for the construction projects.

For one Malawian youth to attend the camp it costs £250, and the volunteering group hopes to seek sponsors for all 16.

Denis added: “We are seeking sponsors for the 16 Malawian youths at £250 each.

“And I would like to thank the Rotary clubs of Selkirk, Melrose, Biggar, Innerleithen and Peebles for all their support.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring the project should contact Denis Robson on 07775821793 or denisjrobson@gmail.com