© 2007 AID AFRICA UK Registered Charity Number 1116336
We found that in general, the maize harvest was better than last year, and many had enough to last them for months, but for those who were too frail or sick to prepare and plant, the results were meagre. Already many of the most vulnerable are hungry again - and coming to our office for help.
Sadly, we’re seeing young mums, who are too weary and undernourished themselves, to feed their frustrated babies. But at least these youngsters are strong enough to cry - even worse is the child who just stares, usually an AIDS orphan, sometimes too weak to drink the life-giving goats milk in our Play Centres or too sick to eat the enriched porridge we offer.
Sadly, we’re seeing young mums, who are too weary and undernourished themselves, to feed their frustrated babies. But at least these youngsters are strong enough to cry -
June and July are winter months in Malawi and the temperature, particularly at night, drops significantly. We gave out blankets and jumpers, kindly knitted by our friends in the UK. Most of those in our target group would sleep on a straw mat on the dirt floor, with little to cover them, except perhaps ripped sacks or thin cotton fabric. So you can imagine how much the knitted blankets were appreciated.
A warm “Thank you” to all who knit for us!
A warm “Thank you” to all who knit for us!
Sadly, on the morning we arrived in Chiringa, our friend with leprosy - for whom we’d built a new home and Chicken project - passed away. She left two children, as orphans with no visible support nor income. Gradually, their reluctant grandmother was encouraged to take them under her wing, but Alek at 12 years old, is the main care giver to her baby brother. Unfortunately similar situations are very common in Malawi, but we help and encourage where appropriate within the culture.
12 year old Alek, with her little baby brother - whom she cares for since their mother died - clutching their new blankets knitted by friends in the UK.
