When a baby's life is suddenly at risk, your gift can provide urgent nutrition and care now - and wrap lasting support around their family for the years ahead.
Please donateJust days after he was born in early 2024, James' world was turned upside down.
His mum suddenly passed away, leaving him orphaned and extremely vulnerable in the very first weeks of his life. Thankfully, James’ aunt immediately stepped in to care for him, taking him in alongside her own two teenage children. But with only a small income from selling shoes at the local market, his aunt simply could not afford the infant formula James urgently needed to survive and grow.
Without urgent intervention, James’ future - like that of so many vulnerable babies referred to Open Arms - was at serious risk.
The story could have ended there for James, but thanks to your support he is now a healthy, active and sociable little boy who is growing up in the love and security of his extended family home.
He is also attending a local nursery school, which is setting him up for further education and future opportunities.
And for the first time ever, his aunt is growing food for her family and building towards a future free from extreme poverty - a future where she can provide for her loved ones on her own.
Open Arms' support doesn't end with the child - it extends to the families, systems and communities that surround them, so children are not only safe today, but can grow up to achieve their potential for a brighter future.
How? Find out more below.
When Social Welfare refers a vulnerable baby, our team provides regular home visits, close health monitoring and a reliable supply of infant formula, porridge flour and other essentials.
It's this support that helped James survive his earliest years and why he continues to thrive today - surrounded by the love and stability of his family.
With your support, we can act fast for the many other vulnerable children needing our help.
Open Arms also works with families to build long-term independence by addressing the root causes of extreme poverty.
With good quality farming supplies, training and support, James' aunt went from having no land at all to cultivating her first hectare - producing 350kg of maize despite a difficult season of drought.
Over three years, Open Arms will work with them - along with 50 other families - to increase and diversify their crops so they can end hunger and create a reliable income.
With greater stability at home, James has been able to start attending a local nursery school.
This gives him a safe, nurturing space to learn, play and develop essential social and cognitive skills, whilst preparing him for primary and secondary schooling
Open Arms supports nine community nursery schools, providing early education and a nutritious meal to over 600 children every weekday - laying the foundation for their future learning and success.
Together we can save more lives, strengthen more families and help them secure brighter futures.
Please make a gift todayA single or regular gift to Open Arms will help us be there for vulnerable children in Malawi when they need it the most.
There are also many other ways to support - from taking part in one of our events, fundraising through your school, workplace or community or simply sharing the work of Open Arms Malawi with your family and friends.
Together, we truly can make a difference.
Thank you for helping to build brighter futures!
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
Donate