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Christmas Message from Malawi

The end of another year at Open Arms is fast approaching. An eventful year with many more ups than downs. The Homes continue to thrive with the increasing good-will that we receive from around the globe. The important and major contribution that the Harrogate fundraising office is making to the operation is something we are very aware of and grateful for.

The year started with a huge challenge, caused by the disastrous flooding in the southern half of the country. The aftermath of that event and the following drought is still being felt. These two events were largely responsible for the serious food insecurity that the country is experiencing.

The generosity of our supporters has made it possible for the rebuilding of seven new houses, and the repair of over thirty others damaged by the cyclonic conditions in Mangochi and Blantyre. Much of the work in Mangochi was carried out by three teams of volunteers from Johnson and Johnson, mostly from Switzerland.

These houses are occupied mainly by grandmothers and their grandchildren who have been once cared for by us.

Another dimension to this has been the purchase of 30 Tonnes of emergency food which we are currently distributing to two hundred families who in one way or another depend on the services of Open Arms.

This is combined with the annual distribution of Starter Packs (maize seed and fertiliser) to promote self-reliance.

A happy event for us was the admission of Norman Mandikisi and Erick Anderson to Kamuzu Academy, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country.

They got there by their own merit and much credit is due to Mr Benson Thungula and Ms Enipher Nasiyaya, who are very largely responsible for their tutoring.

We are very grateful to Lancing College and Karen Gillon (ex MSP in Glasgow) for their assistance with the boys’ boarding and tuition fees. We are hoping next year that at least one of the girls from Richmond House will be able to join them.

The computer laboratory built by Travelzoo, expertly managed by Martin Chirwa, continues to thrive, and is undoubtedly providing our young people with a considerable advantage when they leave school.

All the children in the senior Foster Houses enjoyed their traditional week’s holiday at the lakeshore.

We have had our usual succession of visiting institutions between May and October. Johnson and Johnson were the first group, followed by Verde Valley School of Arizona who built an addition to the Namalo Birthing Clinic. Ashville College, Harrogate, and George Watson College, Edinburgh, worked on the repair of two dilapidated schools, one in Blantyre and one in Mangochi.

A remarkable transformation occurred at both, demonstrating so clearly that a small amount of money used properly can achieve terrific results.

Both schools are closely connected to Open Arms and we hope to remain involved with them and to see them grow even further  in future years.

Queen Elizabeth school in Kirby Lonsdale cemented even further their relationship with the boys and girls of Tsekwe house when they took them up Mount Mulanje for quite an arduous three day hike.

Our connections with Scotland continue, with a visit from the Lord Provost of Glasgow and two colleagues, and a Parliamentary delegation from Edinburgh.

As we write, the long awaited rains seem to be breaking. This should ensure that the coming growing season will be successful, however as Malawi’s population continues to grow, and very rapidly, it seems that food security may well be a problem that this nation has to learn to accommodate.

Thank you for your support throughout the years, we would not be where we are now without you. All at Open Arms are wishing you all, wherever you are, a very peaceful and happy festive season.

Yours,

Neville

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