AS members of the Scottish Malawi Partnership (SMP), learners and staff from Beath High School attended the inaugural SMP Schools Awards.

The ceremony was held in the City Chambers of Edinburgh and was a celebration of the work done by schools and youth groups in their links with Malawi.

There are some 250 schools and youth partnerships in the SMP and BHS were one of those representing these links.

After a welcome from Lord Provost Frank Ross, all were entertained by David Luhanga with his drumming and singing.

David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the SMP, introduced the main speaker, who was William Kamkwamba.

William is the inspiration behind the Netflix film “The boy who harnessed the wind”.

William had to drop out of school in Malawi as he could no longer afford to go but he continued his studies through a friend and developed an interest in maths and engineering.

He was able to use old motor parts he found to create a wind turbine which he ultimately used to provide electrical power for his village!

Despite being knocked back many times, William persevered with his work, ending up in the USA where he completed his studies.

Said one of the Beath learners: "His talk was full of never being beaten, always looking to improve and meeting the challenges which life presents – truly inspiring!"

The learners from Beath were able to speak to other groups about the work they do with their links in Malawi.

They also contributed to discussions on climate change recognised as a major issue for everyone.

This event just made the group want to work harder with the school's link to Mpanaga PS and Njale PS, partner schools in Malawi.