Like many developing nations, Malawi’s cities and towns have seen rapid economic growth and development this century. In contrast, rural areas still depend largely on subsistence farming, with few chances for self-improvement. This shipment supported a group working in those rural communities to help children and youth gain the same opportunities available to their peers in urban areas.
“These essential resources to support our programs are truly exciting.” NGO director
Our partners focus on expanding educational opportunities but also collaborate with local NGOs in other areas, including medical care, children’s homes, and microfinance. These partner groups also benefited from the shipment, receiving hospital beds, neonatal and paediatric supplies, clothing, furniture, stationery, appliances, and computers.
For our education partners, though, the real highlights were the furniture, equipment, and supplies that enabled them to serve nearly 800 additional students—from preschool to vocational training—giving them access to the education they deserve. More than 500 families were spared the financial strain of buying school supplies, and 80 teachers were thrilled to finally have chairs, desks, computers, and filing cabinets in their staffrooms.
A metal-working student in a vocational training class takes advantage of the capabilities of one of the electric table saws from the shipment.
BEFORE: Crossroads’ partner has focused on building rural classrooms to keep children in school, even during the rainy season. However, the urgent need for these buildings has left no funds for essential furniture.
AFTER: The same classroom (and others like it!) are now equipped with desks and chairs for both students and teachers.
Madalitso is a keen Form 1 student but the 10 kilometre walk to school and then home again afterwards left him too exhausted to complete his homework. Receiving a bicycle from this shipment has improved both his grades and his mood greatly!
Two industrial sewing machines from the shipment now take pride of place in the tailoring workshop.
Vocational training students were also delighted to have lecture chairs in their previously empty classroom.
One kindergarten class is enthralled with some of the picture books the school received to establish its own library.
