Malawi Relief Fund UK is proud to celebrate the national recognition awarded to Blackburn College staff and students, who have been shortlisted for the ‘Volunteering Project of the Year’ at the prestigious Good for Me Good for FE awards. The nomination comes in honour of the Blackburn College International Nursery, a project delivered in partnership with Malawi Relief Fund UK to support communities in one of the world’s poorest regions.

In June, a dedicated group of students and staff from Blackburn College travelled to Malawi as part of the Turing Scheme—an initiative that funds meaningful educational experiences abroad. During their 16-day stay, they worked alongside Malawi Relief Fund UK volunteers to build a fully functioning nursery and create a safe and stimulating learning environment for local children.

The project also laid the foundations for a long-term training hub, designed to provide accredited Early Years qualifications to local nursery managers and childcare workers.

“This recognition is a testament to the compassion and hard work of everyone involved,” said a spokesperson for Malawi Relief Fund UK. “For years, we have seen the challenges communities face in accessing quality early education. This partnership with Blackburn College has shown what can be achieved when young people from the UK connect with communities in Malawi with sincerity, commitment and a desire to serve.”

The initiative has already made a profound difference. Malawi, where adult literacy rates remain below 70 per cent, continues to face major barriers in early childhood education. The newly established nursery has provided a vital resource for families, while also giving Blackburn College students invaluable hands-on experience.

Matthew Robinson, Blackburn College Executive Director of Student Support, expressed his pride in the collaboration.
“We are delighted to be recognised nationally for such a transformative project,” he said.
“Our students and staff put their hearts into building something that will change lives for years to come. This experience has shaped them both personally and professionally, and we are honoured to partner with Malawi Relief Fund UK in delivering this positive change.”

Malawi Relief Fund organisers who attended the project emphasised the compassion and maturity shown by the students.
“Their dedication, despite the challenges on the ground, was inspiring. They didn’t just build a nursery—they built relationships, shared skills, and brought hope,” said the charity’s project coordinator.

The project was made possible after Blackburn College and Malawi Relief Fund UK raised over £10,000, funding construction materials, educational resources, and essential equipment for the nursery.

The team is already preparing for the next stage. A new cohort of Blackburn College students and staff will return to Malawi next summer to continue strengthening the nursery, expand the training hub, and deepen community engagement.

“This is only the beginning,” added the Malawi Relief Fund spokesperson.
“We see this partnership as a long-term commitment to improving early years education in Malawi. Together, we are building something that will empower communities for generations.”

All finalists, including Blackburn College, have been invited to a special House of Lords reception on December 5, hosted by Baroness Nicky Morgan, where the winners of the awards will be announced.

Regardless of the outcome, Malawi Relief Fund UK has praised the project as a shining example of how international collaboration, youth leadership, and community-centred development can deliver lasting change.