St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, St Helens, is strengthening its global outreach through a new partnership with the charity Great Minds, Bright Futures, which supports vulnerable children in Malawi.

The partnership has been brought to life through the generosity of pupils and families, who have donated pre-loved school uniforms and other essential items. The connection began thanks to a member of the school’s staff, who introduced Headteacher Lyn Rawlinson to the charity and its founder, Dave Armstrong.

Since then, St Thomas of Canterbury and other schools involved in the St Helens SVP Conference have donated uniforms, books, toys, and other essential items to support the charity’s work.

The school is now taking its commitment a step further by sponsoring a young girl named Meria. The aim is to raise £300 a year to provide her with school essentials such as books, pens, and pencils, helping her access education and thrive.

Great Minds, Bright Futures works to create safe, supportive spaces for Malawian children to learn, play, and grow. Malawi—often called the “warm heart of Africa”—faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty, the impact of HIV/AIDS, climate-change-related flooding, and widespread displacement. The charity runs feeding programmes, learning activities, and community support initiatives to improve children’s futures.

Headteacher Lyn Rawlinson said:

“This act reflects the principles of Catholic social teaching, reminding us of our responsibility to care for others and to recognise the dignity of every person as part of our global family. By supporting charities such as Great Minds, Bright Futures, we are not only helping those in need, but also teaching our children how to live out Gospel values — showing love, generosity and compassion in their everyday lives.”

The school hopes to raise further awareness of the charity’s work. Donations of toiletries, shoes, clothes, and other practical items are always gratefully received.

More about the charity can be found here: greatmindsbrightfutures.co.uk

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