SCIAF gifts Malawian Nativity to Scottish Parliament to celebrate countries’ friendship

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) presented a handcrafted Malawian Nativity set to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 26 November, to mark SCIAF’s 60th anniversary and celebrate Scotland’s long-standing friendship with Malawi.

SCIAF is the official relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland and a member of the Caritas confederation of charities.

The Nativity set was presented to the Scottish Parliament by Bishop Brian McGee and Lorraine Currie, chief executive officer of SCIAF, and received by the presiding officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, who said, “This beautiful sculpture honours the talent and creativity of Malawi’s young people and will be displayed proudly in the Scottish Parliament over the festive season. I am honoured to unveil this sculpture, which I think represents global friendship and the tradition of charity and giving at Christmastime.”

The Nativity set was created by Malawian school leavers as part of woodcraft training designed to improve their employment prospects. Under the guidance of Malawian artist Raphet Namacha, the young artisans learned sculpting and carving techniques to support future livelihoods.

Namacha said, “The finished set is a great representation of our skills, so we are happy it will be on view in the Scottish Parliament. I hope people understand the craft required to make this set too: all manual, no machines, from a log to the dignified figures we are presenting today.”

To bring together the creativity of young people of both Malawi and Scotland, the Holy Family figures are displayed in a stable built by pupils at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton, working with SCIAF volunteer Michael Rainey.

Scotland and Malawi have had a close and complex relationship since explorer David Livingstone arrived in 1859, which started a wave of Scottish missions that built social infrastructure such as centres of education and healthcare.

This connection was revived 20 years ago when the Scottish Executive (now the Scottish Parliament) first began to provide support to communities in Malawi facing poverty. The contemporary relationship is now characterised by partnership, shared history, mutual respect, and two-way exchange which enriches both Malawi and Scotland.

SCIAF intend the gift of the Nativity Set to symbolise this enduring relationship and highlight the creative talents of young people in both countries. Currie said, “From our humble beginnings in a classroom in Rutherglen, for 60 years, SCIAF has worked alongside communities around the world to tackle poverty and injustice, always grounded in dignity, solidarity, and compassion. We are delighted that SCIAF’s mission will be remembered in the Scottish Parliament through this beautiful Nativity Set.

“The message of Christmas is one of love, hope, and charity. The Holy Family embodies these values and the Christmas story reminds us to remain hopeful despite the many challenges facing families around world. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the work of SCIAF and our partners who continue to bring hope and the promise of a better world to those who need it most.”

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: