It has been almost four months since the January rains
that spelled national disaster for Malawi - a disaster that claimed many lives,
devastated homes, crops and livelihoods for thousands of Malawians.
Joshua is now in the third phase of its emergency response - stronger home building. A task force of advisors and experts in rural house construction is coming together to provide local artisans and tradesman with key information and advice on rebuilding stronger homes, which they will then build. Joshua will use the remainder of its emergency appeal funds to provide essential materials such as cement and timber to some of the most vulnerable families within our impact areas, ensuring they have a safe and secure place to live.
Pictured above is Mphatso and her family, looking healthier and happier than the last time we met, just after the January disaster. I am pleased to report that Mphatso is slowly rebuilding her life after the family home was crushed by heavy rainfall, causing her and her six children to move into the nearby Joshua feeding centre. Mphatso has managed to rent a small home and is saving for materials to rebuild on her own land. She will be one of the recipients of support from the house rebuild project.
Saint Andrews International Primary School (SAIPS) have been doing some superb fundraising for Joshua recently, raising a staggering 750,000 (£1,100) - to support our emergency appeal. The school council decided to put the funds towards a school project, after learning that Chibwana Primary School in the hills beyond Pensulo village had lost a classroom and toilet during the disaster. The village school, which caters for 350 children now has a new child-friendly toilet block and is looking forward to having a new classroom in time for September. Thank you SAIPS for your on-going efforts
In March, Blantyre celebrated St Patricks Day in style with a fantastic family fun day with classic sports from three legged races to the spud and spoon race (with an Irish twist). The St. Patricks Day Committee very generously donated part of the ticket sales to Joshua - a whopping 200,000 K (£300) !! Thank you Saint Patrick!
And our final bit of news is that Joshua Malawi will
be running an epic event in just 6 days time…
That’s right - it is the return of the WALK FOR MALAWI Challenge at
Mount Michiru… We are raising funds for
motorbikes for our field officers who are absolute troopers, sometimes walking
for 4-6 hours in a day getting from project to project. These ‘wheels in the field’ will make a world
of difference to Joshua’s work, making us more efficient and capable of
reaching those remote and difficult to reach communities.
.jpg)
Keep an eye on Facebook for photos and stories from
Michiru - 16th May - We can’t wait!
