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Income generation
I was very encouraged that the AMAO chicken project now yields regular egg sales to provide
10% of the income of the orphanage. It was great to hear that a local farmer has given seven
hectares of land for their use. This land needs some work – we have hired a tractor to clear it,
and it will need seeds and a lot of fertiliser, but the aim is that, given good rains, half the ground
should provide maize enough for the orphanage, with the remainder for sale and income.

Apprenticeships
I was really pleased that during this visit we were able to establish the first three
apprenticeships for students from AMAO. These have been made possible by the kindness
and expertise of nearby Kamuzu Academy, who will provide training and experience for the
three youngsters in Catering, Electronics and Hospitality Management, and certify their
qualifications. I am very sincerely grateful to Mr Kanjira, the Academy Bursar, for giving them
this chance and I hope this route will be followed by others very soon. Our thanks to the
AMAO committee, led by Mr Japan and Mr Sonjo for their work and support.
Microloans
For a while now I have wanted to start a scheme of local Microloans - loans to individuals to
enable them to set up a small enterprise and generate income for their family. Although
microloans have been successful and valuable elsewhere in Malawi, there has been nothing
like it in the immediate area. Thanks to the support of specific donors in the UK, and the
efforts of the administrator, Mr Zambira, we have now started the scheme. Mr Zambira has
formed a group of twenty recipients, having discussed, modified, monitored and approved
each small enterprise through a committee. The twenty each receive a loan, but are
interdependent, helping each other in business and in repayments. It is an extension of our
work, but a vital way to build for the future.

A Place of Hope
I was hugely grateful for a wonderful response to
my emails about the famine earlier this year, and
the feeding programme was successfully
established at St Andrew’s. To prevent another
famine, we heard about an irrigation scheme which
local elders wanted to establish along the River
Dwangwa, about 40kms away, but well within our
catchment. It was an area very hard hit by drought,
and many had come to St Andrew’s for emergency food. With your support I was able to
send money for fuel for an old pump, for seeds and fertiliser – and in July I saw it with my
own eyes. It is awesome, and I use that vogue word advisedly! It’s a huge area, brilliantly
organised by the committee of elders to share out work, and available water, and I walked
the length and breath of the project in the hot sun – it stretches a mile along the river. I was
exhausted, but inspired! They are growing food which will be ready in October – self help at
its very best! Now we are exploring the acquisition of solar pumps. There were lots of people
around, many working, some just talking – they like coming here said the Chief: “it is a place
of hope”. So too is the whole of Mtunthama. A place of real hope. Just look ! Who says you
can’t make a difference in Africa. Thank you for all your support for our existing commitments
and our new ventures. Despite our growth, 100% of your donations continue to reach those
in need. Thank you, and please keep supporting.
Stephen Drew
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