Biwi/Kawale, located in Lilongwe, Malawi

The community of Biwi/Kawale

Your sponsored communities of Biwi and Kawale are on the southern outskirts of the capital city of Lilongwe. Some of the people in Biwi have access to water, electricity and sanitation services, but many barely survive without these essentials.

Work is hard to find. Some jobs are available at local breweries, brothels and bars. Carpentry is booming as the demand for coffins has increased exponentially. Desperate to survive, many children and women are often forced into the sex trade.

The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in this community is just under 25%. 1100 children have already lost their parents and caregivers. Thirty-five churches are working together to help those who are vulnerable and suffering. But there is so much need, it’s difficult to see any hope in the future.

The needs in the community

  • Water and sanitation projects like pit latrines, eco-san projects and boreholes
  • Care for orphans and widows
  • Advocacy and protection for vulnerable groups including children, young women and widows
  • Basic health care for all
  • Food and nutrition assistance
  • Food security and food relief
  • Programs for youth
  • HIV/AIDS education, awareness and biblical teaching
  • Vocational training

What we are doing

  • Training home-based care workers
  • Training volunteers in cooking for feeding program
  • Training volunteers for preschool program
  • Purchasing maize, beans, cooking oil, salt, kapenta (fish), beef, sugar and likuni phala for feeding program for orphaned and vulnerable children
  • Purchasing metal cups, plates and pots for feeding program
  • Purchasing supplies and building a temporary shelter for feeding program
  • Acquiring 2.5 acre garden for growing maize (main staple in Malawi — like corn) and supplementing feeding program
  • Purchasing maize seed
  • Supplying school fees, books and uniforms for secondary school students
  • Beginning income-generating activities such as sewing and telephone bureaus
  • Training pastors and community leaders in capacity building