Malawi project profile

Chata ADP

Education
Although the government provides free schooling, many children do not enrol in school because it is too far from home, their parents do not encourage them, they need to work or they marry at a young age.

World Vision encourages school enrolment through community meetings. It assists secondary school students who cannot afford their fees. The ADP trains and pays for tutors so adults have the opportunity to learn basic literacy.

As many of Chata’s school buildings are made of temporary materials and some classes are held outdoors, World Vision helps the community build or repair classrooms and supplies furniture and stationery.

Health
Malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea are common health problems in Chata. The ADP’s only government health centre is understaffed and lacks medicines.

World Vision trains village health committees in sanitation, health and nutrition education. Traditional birth attendants learn safe delivery techniques to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Revolving medicine funds assist people to access medicines.

Lilongwe District has the second-highest HIV/AIDS rate in Malawi. In addition to HIV/AIDS education for adults, World Vision supports the work of school ‘anti-AIDS clubs’. Community members are trained to provide home-based care for orphans and people with HIV/AIDS. Faith-based organisations are encouraged to provide counselling and care for people with HIV/AIDS.

Water
Deforestation has dried up most rivers and streams in the area. Rainy season run-offs are polluted and carry disease. Many of the government-installed boreholes have dried up or fallen into disrepair.

The ADP drills and repairs wells and supplies chlorine to treat water drawn from unprotected sources. Village water committees learn to service the water pump and become responsible for ongoing maintenance.

Agriculture
The people of Chata depend on agriculture, growing maize for food and tobacco as a cash crop. Continuous cropping, lack of crop diversity, poor access to water and little fertiliser have resulted in poor food production.

World Vision trains farmers in improved agriculture and conservation methods, reducing the need for expensive fertilisers and improving soil fertility. Farmers receive improved seeds and seedlings and are encouraged to trial new crops, such as sweet potatoes, cassava and peanuts. These, along with fish farming and keeping of dairy goats, pigs, rabbits and guinea fowl, diversify local diets. Training in disaster mitigation helps farmers plan for and survive drought.

Income generation
Wood is used for fuel and as a source of income. The ADP has established nurseries to supply seedlings in an effort to reduce deforestation.

Farmers’ co-operatives are formed and registered with the government, giving farmers official access to markets to sell grain, milk, fish, piglets or poultry.

Community leadership
Chewa villages are grouped under traditional authorities, which also play a central role in development efforts. Community-based organisations are formed and trained by World Vision to facilitate and source funding for future development.

Sustainable development
World Vision and the people of Chata envisage that by 2010 the community's capacity to access resources for ongoing development will be at a level that no longer requires World Vision assistance. We will keep you updated on their progress.