East Hampton Teens Head To Malawi To Build School

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Proud parents and educators beamed with pride recently as East Hampton High School students headed to Malawi in Africa to build a primary school.

Mom Mary McPartland, whose son Andrew Wilson raised $6,00 in #BuildOn funds, said he headed out on the trip on this 18th birthday.

"What a way to finish up East Hampton High School," she said. "Dreams do come true."

East Hampton High School Principal Adam Fine said the trip commenced as a project undertaken by the school's BuildOn club.

"From our end, this is our fourth trip and fourth school that we have raised money to build. Just an incredible opportunity for our students to be part of annually," he said.

On his fundraising page, Wilson described the trip, which he embarked upon with 14 classmates, along with East Hampton's AP Gov teacher Bill Barbour.

"I will be traveling along with several of my classmates to build a primary school in a village in the eastern African nation of Malawi. Malawi is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. It faces numerous challenges in health care and education," he wrote. "During my trip, I will be surrounded by Malawian culture. I will be living with a local family, participating in cultural activities, and working with the community to build this desperately needed school. I am not partaking in a luxury trip, but rather one to help learn about the local culture and do a good deed for the community."

Funds raised will help to pay for building materials and educational supplies for the school.

The team will return on Tuesday, and a full report of their experience will follow on Patch.

Patch courtesy photo.