Malawi is a country working hard to lift its people out of its challenging history. Since gaining independence nearly sixty years ago it has gone through periods of sometimes violent unrest and corruption so widespread that the IMF refused to provide any financial aid. The past decade has seen a concerted effort to develop the economy, health care and education in particular. Unfortunately, many initiatives were derailed first by the COVID pandemic and then in 2023 by Cyclone Freddy’s devastation of agricultural lands and the transport network.
Our partners have a track record of working in the rural heartland of Malawi to improve access to healthcare and education. They are particularly active in advocating for the rights of girls and women, from projects as simple as providing menstruation care packages that enable girls to continue their schooling after puberty through to educating elders on alternatives to child marriage (still prevalent in the country) and running vocational training courses. These courses – for both females and males – provide an alternative to the traditional work of subsistence farming that is becoming increasingly precarious as climate change affects the land.
This will be our third shipment to this group and will include hospital beds and other supplies for rural clinics as well as toys, books and furniture for local childcare centres and schools. We will also include bedding and household goods for the families most in need.
Below: Dwangwa Community-based Childcare centre was struggling to prepare the children who attended for primary school because the totally lacked any teaching materials, resources or furniture. After receiving a large quantity of toys and other materials from the last Crossroads shipment, the centre is reporting improved class participation and performance. Centre leader Ms Kaunda rejoiced, “These young learners are now performing well when they graduate to primary school!”
A disabled child expresses his delight at receiving a comfortable mattress!
A farmer surveys the devastation of his home and fields following Cyclone Freddy.
10-year-old Emilida has a congenital disability that stops her walking; she can only crawl painfully. Although her father carries her to school when he is able, she has missed so much that she has not yet graduated from grade 1.
She received a wheelchair, clothing and bedding from a previous Crossroads shipment – in this photo she clutches them possessively!
Emilida was most excited about the wheelchair. It will allow her to attend school even when her father has to work, and even through the rainy season.
She said, “Now I can be connected with friends at school and around my home. I used to have to stay indoors because I could not walk. My disability meant I faced stigma from community members and other children because I could not participate in their activities.”
