Where We Work : Malawi
Country Profile
| Population | 13.2 million |
| GDP per Capita | US$161 |
| Infant Mortality (per 1,000 births) | 79 |
| Life Expectancy | 46.3 |
| Living with HIV and AIDS | 14.1% |
| Literacy Rate | 64.1% |
| Human Development Rank | 164 (out of 177) |
| More information | Wikipedia |
Malawi doesn’t often make the world news. That’s because it is a peaceable rural country. Rural Malawians do not celebrate birthdays as people do in many other countries. Most babies are delivered at home and individuals often do not have official birth certificates. Parents associate the birth of a child with a particular season or important event, although many do not know the specific date. Malawian families are often large because they are highly valued. A large family means more hands to help on the farm and assures that parents will be cared for as they age.
Life is difficult for many Malawian families. Sixty-five percent of the population lives in poverty. Many people lack access to safe water. More than a quarter of all Malawians are illiterate.
Projects
Make Life Flow
Project dates: Jan – Dec 2010
The health of Malawians is compromised by the limited access to adequate and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Despite the efforts by the government to increase coverage of safe water sources, it is estimated that only 62% have access to improved water sources. Diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever affect many people in the rural areas and this reduces their productivity. Children are often forced to spend less time on school related activities as they spend a lot of time fetching water.
*Partner *– AGREDS. This is the development arm of the Assemblies of God church in Malawi and Tearfund has worked closely with them over the past decade.
Project – To improve access to clean and portable safe water for 3,750 people
Key achievements
- 17 shallow wells were improved and protected
- 17 Water Point Committees (WPCs) were trained to repair and carry out routine maintenance
- A community fund for spare parts was established in each community
- Hygiene and sanitation sensitization and training was conducted with 3,750 people