Page 17 - pc_Issue6_Summer2018

Connection
PRESBYTERIAN WORLD SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT
PRESBYTERIAN
17
presbyterian.ca
SUMMER 2018
Five Years and 50,000 Lives Transformed in Malawi
By Anna Muir, Communications Assistant
The parable of the mustard seed teaches us about the transformation that makes it possible for a tiny seed to mature into a life-sustaining plant, ripe with fruit. What seems small to- day can one day grow and thrive.
Over the last five years, PWS&D’s Building Sustainable Livelihoods pro- gram has helped marginalized com- munities in Malawi grow, thrive and transform. The support has been vital in a country where high unemploy- ment rates, gender inequality, climate change and a lack of access to health care and education keeps communi- ties trapped in cycles of poverty.
The Government of Canada–fund- ed project concluded in December 2017, and because of those who generously supported the program’s work, 50,000 Malawians are mak- ing positive, lasting changes to their lives—they are building sustainable livelihoods, combating poverty, em- bracing healthy futures and lifting up those around them. To help accom- plish this, one part of the program of- fered occupational skills training and empowered vulnerable women and men to start small businesses.
Zondwayo Mbano’s parents died when he was young. He grew up with very little and he didn’t know what his future held. After joining the program two years ago, he learned to use a sewing machine and developed advanced tailoring techniques. Since then, Zondwayo has been earning an income as a tailor, making and mend- ing school uniforms and skirts.
Zondwayo was diligent with his savings so he could buy solar panels, which provide light and allow him to continue sewing even when it starts to get dark out. Zondwayo is able to take more orders and earn more money to continue meeting his needs.
Improving access to loans is an- other way the program has helped households rise above poverty. Through self-help groups, women come together to save money and distribute small loans.
Linly Chavula felt weighed down by the loss of her husband, both emotionally and financially. She used
a loan from her self-help group to purchase sheep, which have ensured a source of income and way for her to support her family of seven.
Linly also lives with HIV, but she is able to continue working because of support from the program, which has improved her village’s access to health care services through outreach clinics and education about hygiene, nutrition and maternal health. Linly now takes antiretroviral medication, which means she can stay active and continue providing for her children.
Community-based groups like Linly’s self-help group are key to the program’s long-term success. Com- munity groups caring for orphans and vulnerable children provide them with school fees, uniforms and sup- plies to complete their education, equipping them to contribute to their societies as strong, smart leaders.
Promoting gender justice has been a major component of the program. By upholding women’s rights and en- couraging female involvement in deci- sion-making and politics, the program has helped women become agents of change in their communities.
Miraculous growth is held within each small seed—each child who can go to school, each woman start- ing her own business and each par- ent who can support their family by learning a new skill. Together, we have tended a garden that is flourishing!
Thanks to your support, there is much to celebrate!
In the project area:
• 130 orphans and vulnerable
children received schools fees to attend secondary schools and colleges
• 2,253 students received school uniforms
• 447 vulnerable youth partici- pated in vocational training
• Over 130 savings groups were formed and 1,436 women and youth were able to access mar- kets to sell their goods
• 57% more women are earning an income
• 84% of households learned about the prevention and treat- ment of malaria, HIV and AIDS, and other diseases
• 50% of women are participating
With support from PWS&D’s Building Sustainable Livelihoods program, Zondwayo Mbano supports his family as a tailor in Kaluhoro, Malawi. PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL JEFFREY
A savings group meets in Kaluhoro, Malawi. With support from PWS&D’s Building Sustainable Livelihoods program, women are working together to save money. PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL JEFFREY
in political processes
• 98% of women are participating
in decision-making processes at
home
While the Government of Canada-
funded portion of the project has concluded, PWS&D continues to work with families in Malawi to build sustainable livelihoods. To support this important work visit WeRespond. ca/donate.
This program received generous support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
Participants in PWS&D’s Building Sustainable Livelihoods program receive finan- cial assistance to purchase livestock through savings groups. PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL JEFFREY