Malawi

J395 Malawi Neighbours Aid Community Stores Project

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. 95% of its people are subsistence farmers. Life expectancy is 34.5 years of age because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Many households are headed up by children under ten or by grandparents. We care for over 170 children in two centres. We have established two primary schools and a children’s’ home. Some of the children live with guardians. Land has been purchased to grow crops. Future plans include purchasing a maize mill, a chicken farm, and mushroom growing. These projects will provide both food and an income for the workers and will help them on the road to self-sufficiency.

We also plan to build a vocational training centre to provide training for the unemployed village youth. This is driven with a view to breaking the poverty cycle. In a country where government expenditure on health, education and social services is only $15 per person, per annum, we believe that the children are the future. Providing education, nutritious meals and medical care nurture in a safe and loving environment is the first step in changing the nation. Each year a team from Australia conducts seminars in leadership, teacher training and medical seminars.