Guidance counsellor recognized for work at home and abroad

Christie Hartlin, Guidance Counsellor at West Hants Middle School, was chosen as one of this year’s Education Week Award recipients. Hartlin has modeled this year’s Annapolis Valley Regional School Board theme “Partners for Peace- From the Classroom to the Community” through her advocacy work in Malawi and at home. In Africa she mentors teachers and has been instrumental in the founding of an Orphan Care Group in Malawi.

On a local level Hartlin brings awareness to hundreds of local students each year through school presentations on her work in Africa. Speaking on topics such as HIV/AIDS and poverty, as well as culture and race relations have opened students’ eyes to the hardships faced by others around the world she said. “Students really feel connected after a presentation. I’m always so impressed with their genuine concern for people living in other countries.”

To have her work acknowledged by fellow educators is a rewarding she said. “This award means a great deal to me. To be recognized by my peers feels really great. I’d like to see more teachers recognized, there are so many doing wonderful things.”

Meanwhile progress in Malawi continues to grow. Hartlin said they just completed the construction of a maize mill and are presently building a livestock feed mill as well. The big goal for this year is to create a vocational training center.

For more information on what is happening in Malawi go to www.novascotia.malawiassociation.com