Malawi – The warm heart of Africa
People often ask us, ‘Why Malawi? Why are you not working in other countries too?’
It’s true that our vision is bigger than one country – it is that all children everywhere have the chance to fulfil their potential.
The main reason we focus on one country at the moment is because we are big believers in quality over quantity. We would rather see the lives of a smaller group of children truly transformed than a larger group experiencing minor improvements. We love to go deep and form long term relationships with communities rather than jump from place to place, because we believe that it is only through repetitive, real relationships that lasting change can happen.
Also, when one nation is transformed, the impact on surrounding countries is great. Our dream is that Malawi would become an example in some sectors to other nations, able to offer answers and support to those struggling with similar issues.
Why Malawi specifically?
Firstly, because the need is great. Many, many families simply don’t have even the most basic things necessary to support the healthy development of a child.
Secondly, because of relationships. For things to work well, quality relationships are a must. We have found ourselves among good friends in Malawi.
We’re always asking ourselves, ‘What will Malawi be like as a place to live for children in 10 years time?’
“What will Malawi be like as a place to live for children in 10 years time?”
About Malawi
Malawi is a long, thin landlocked country in southeast Africa. It is nicknamed ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ for good reason – any visitor will soon feel at home among generous and welcoming people.
Its terrain is diverse. Rolling grass hills and forest are found in the north, while in the south peaks play hide and seek among the clouds. The clear waters of Lake Malawi run down most of its eastern side, taking up about a third of the country’s total area. The lake is the third largest in Africa, and is rich in biodiversity – it contains around 1,000 species of fish.
Malawi’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, with most of the population of 20 million people living in rural areas. Over 80% of people are directly engaged in agriculture for a living.
Tobacco continues to be the most significant export crop (40% of export earnings). Good coffee grows in the north and mountainous regions in the south are perfect for tea production, making it Africa’s second largest tea producer. Sugar, dried legumes, cotton and nuts are other important exports.
A large proportion of the population are subsistence farmers and income levels are extremely low, with over 70% of people surviving on less than $1.90 a day.
It is not uncommon for households to experience periods of hunger when food stores run out, unable to afford food as well as other essentials like medicine, clothing and shelter.
5.6 million people in Malawi still do not have access to clean water according to WaterAid, and 9.6 million don’t have adequate sanitation facilities. The resultant prevalence of infections like cholera and diarrhoea are high, taking the lives of more than 3,000 children under the age of 5 every year.
Primary education is free in Malawi, however schools are often hugely under resourced. Secondary school fees are out of reach of the majority of households, with only about 7% of children completing secondary education.
Malawi’s cultural heritage is as colourful and rich as its landscapes. The country is home to many different ethnic groups, speaking over 15 different languages.
