A VIDEO has been launched which follows an Airdrie teenager on a life changing trip to Malawi.

Called Natalie's Story, it has been released to mark International Human Rights Day.

It follows Natalie Boland and fellow pupils from St Margaret's High School as they visit the African country.

The young people meet pupils in their partner school in Malawi, disabled children, visit a women's farm and sports development projects.

Natalie, 17, who is in sixth year, compares and contrasts her education, ambitions and opportunities with her counterparts overseas.

She says: "I have been involved in fundraising since first year and here in Malawi you see the difference your money has made.

"I have never seen poverty like this in my life - there is nothing like this in Scotland. It is shocking.

"The experience of coming to Malawi has changed me more than I expected it to.

"I thought I knew what to expect but nothing could prepare me for the life changing experience."

Natalie, who wants to be a doctor, says in the film: "I will now go back and tell everyone of my experience. I think it will make me a better person."

North Lanarkshire council supports a range of humanitarian, health and education programmes through its charity Aiming Higher in Malawi which help transform the health and education of girls and disabled children in the poverty-stricken third world country.

Council convener Jim Logue said: "Natalie's Story provides a clear and unambiguous statement about the high value and impact on young people resulting from such humanitarian visits.

"Natalie is a role model and ambassador who will inspire others.

"North Lanarkshire Council is the Scottish local authority with the largest number of school to school partnerships in Malawi."

Aiming Higher in Malawi is run by project co-ordinator Charles Fawcett.

He said: "Natalie's observations are a poignant reminder that we still live in an unequal world where poverty and disadvantage have the greatest effect on the most vulnerable in society.

"She reminds us that through simple acts of giving and sharing, we in the west enrich our lives a hundred fold."

Natalie's Story will be distributed to all North Lanarkshire schools in the hope of developing relevant educational materials based on her experience.

A Just Giving page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/ahimo to raise funds which will contribute directly to support the work of Aiming Higher in Malawi.

To view Natalie's video go to http://youtu.be/fTJ5N7vl7Hc