Malawi is ranked between the 4th and 8th poorest countries in the world. Poverty is widespread and prevalent both in rural and country areas, though hardest hit is the rural population, in particular the women.
The increasing number of HIV related deaths among productive adults is draining the country's capacity and adversely affecting development efforts.
Under-five mortality rate is high at 234 per 1000 live births, mostly due to malnutrition, anemia, malaria, pneumonia, HIV and diarrhoeal disease.
It is estimated that only 47% of the Malawian population have access to safe water for drinking within half a kilometre of their residence. In rural areas, only 1% of people have access to adequate sanitation. Literacy in Malawi is low. About 47% of women and 25% of men are functionally illiterate or have not attended school.
The Adziwa Orphan Project is located at Kauma village which is situated about five kms east of the capital city Lilongwe. This area is described as a low-income, high density area but more resembles the slum areas common to all large cities in sub-Saharan Africa. The total population of Kauma is estimated at 15,000, nearly half of whom are children, many orphaned by HIV.
Adziwa's goal is to improve the welfare of orphans and their families by working to take care of the orphan child in the context of a family unit; and to run sustainable and community based development approaches to service. The families chosen, who often care for multiple orphans are housed in 3bd homes, with a sitting area, a kitchen and outdoor pit toilet. Caregivers are not charged rent but are requested to participate in income generating activities for the program and community development. Each family is given a plot of land to grow maize and vegetables for food and sale. It is a requirement of each family that the children in their care attend school on a regular basis.
2007 - 2009 Aussies for Orphans is currently supporting this project by providing funding for two three-bedroom houses and four school classrooms in a new school/community centre. Two families have now moved into the homes. Construction is well under way on the school even though they have had a few setbacks.
AFO committee members, Janelle Gibson & Sue & Steve Lewis have been fortunate enough to visit this project where they have met the families and visited the existing school. "The visit to the school was chaotic, 150+ children keen to get into a photo with my & sing me songs" said Janelle. Classes are held in a church hall, teachers try to conduct classes in each corner of the room with no furniture and limited resources. They are so excited about the prospect of a new school. See news and blogs for updates
Major Fundraising Projects
Coffee for Life
Give the cost of a cup
of coffee a week ($12.00 a month)
to save the life of an orphaned or
disadvantaged child.
We would love it if you would life to host a fundraiser for us (YES of course we are here to help).
Contact with your idea and we can have a chat. We have a list of fundraising ideas and tips we can send to you and if we can we will attend if you would like us to. We have resources to help you make your fundraiser fabulous or mayber you would like to distribute some 'Coffee for Life' brochures.
