Author name: Chapter Banda

  In the wake of Cyclone Freddy, many community members in the Mulanje district were left in ruins, but amidst the devastation, stories of resilience emerged. With various stakeholders, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is helping survivors rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Meet Marita Chikafa, 49, a grandmother who is caring for three grandchildren who lost their parents. She is one of the partner families that HFH Malawi, together with its partners, is supporting in constructing homes using eco-friendly and disaster-resilient materials such as stones. Before Cyclone Freddy, she lived comfortably in a well-built home, sharing a compound with two of her daughters along the riverbank in Mujiwa village. “I cannot tell you the exact date, only that it was a day full of sorrow and sadness,” Marita recalls, reflecting on the night Cyclone Freddy hit the district. Another partner family HFH Malawi is working with at the Nanchidwa camp is Hilda Madonna, 80, grandmother. Before the cyclone, she had built her own home, which now lies beneath a vast sandbank. In a twist of bittersweet fortune, Hilda was not living in that house at the time of the cyclone, but the disaster claimed four of her grandchildren and swept away all her belongings, leaving only rubble in its wake. Today, both of their lives look different. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, both Marita and Hilda now have homes—strong, safe, and secure. The trauma they once carried has begun to lift. They can once again engage with their community without the constant weight of anxiety. Sitting in the shade of their new homes, which have risen from the rubble, they both feel hopeful. Approaching the camp, visitors travel along rough, washed-out roads. To one side stands the majestic Mulanje Mountain; to the other, a wide sandbank strewn with boulders, remnants of the disaster that ravaged the village. Before March 2023, this land was home to families who farmed and lived here, their lives upended by Cyclone Freddy. Many lost loved ones, homes, and farmland and still reside in the camp, struggling to rebuild. Yet, amid the devastation, there is hope. HFH Malawi saw an opportunity to not only clear the rubble but to use it to build something new. For the first time, HFH Malawi is piloting the construction of five homes using the very stones and rocks that tumbled down from the mountain. These homes stand as symbols of strength, stability, and resilience in the face of disaster. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:25, “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been found on the rock.” This initiative marks a shift towards sustainable, locally sourced construction, demonstrating the power of turning devastation into opportunity. By utilizing the natural resources left behind by the cyclone, Habitat is building homes that are not just shelters but monuments to resilience and recovery. In Nanchidwa camp, hope rises from the rubble, and HFH Malawi aims to ensure that this spirit of rebuilding continues, helping families not just survive but thrive.  

Meet Onesta Chidyela, a single mother of two and a trailblazer in her community. Despite living with a physical disability, Onesta has defied all odds and limitations as a woman with her unwavering determination and passion for making a difference in her community. She sustains her family by training young people and women in the art of making energy-efficient cookstoves. Through her work, she provides for her children’s essential needs, including food, clothes, and paying school fees. Onesta’s journey is closely linked to Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, implemented in the Traditional Authority (T/A) Masambankhunda, Lilongwe. The project promotes eco-friendly, sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change, and Onesta plays a key role in these efforts. Hired as a trainer, she works with local women and youth, equipping them with the skills to make energy-efficient cookstoves that benefit both their households and the environment. Her story is a testament to resilience, resolve, and the power of giving back to the community despite facing challenges. Onesta began learning to make energy-efficient cookstoves in 2012, and since then, she has trained thousands of people in her community and beyond. On August 23, 2024, she joined Habitat for Humanity Malawi as a trainer for the WASH project, where she has already made a remarkable impact, successfully training over 200 youth and 200 women. Through her workshops, Onesta not only imparts practical skills but also empowers others to create sustainable solutions for their communities. Her personal journey of survival, strength, and perseverance inspires those she mentors, and her compassion and innovation have transformed the lives of many—one stove at a time. Onesta’s story is a reminder that true strength lies not in the absence of challenges but in the courage to face them head-on and emerge stronger. Habitat for Humanity Malawi, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Deutschland and funded by The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is promoting the use of eco-friendly and sustainable energy in T/A Masambankhunda. By implementing the WASH project, the organization seeks to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable rural communities through improved water management and sustainable energy practices. Section Title Section Title Onesta Chidyela: A Trailblazer for Social Change in the Community February 13, 2025 Stories and News Meet Onesta Chidyela, a single mother of two and a trailblazer in her community. Despite living with a physical disability, Onesta has defied all odds and limitations as a woman with her unwavering… Read More The U.S. Embassy Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Voluntary Community Service January 21, 2025 Stories and News As Americans around the world commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the U.S. Embassy in Malawi partnered with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and dedicated a day of voluntary… Read More HFH Malawi hosts Foundation of German Lions delegates December 11, 2024 Stories and News Over the past few days, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted delegates from Germany, including Johanna Kunz, Project Manager from the Foundation of German Lions, to review the progress of the WASH… Read More Habitat for Humanity Malawi Joins the ODF Celebration in Honor of World Toilet Day November 20, 2024 Stories and News In a powerful demonstration of global commitment to sanitation and dignity for all, Habitat for Humanity Malawi, along with its partners including Self Help Africa (SHA) and Thyolo District Council… Read More Habitat for Humanity Malawi Advocates for Housing as a Climate Resilience Priority at COP29 November 19, 2024 Stories and News Habitat for Humanity Malawi has joined Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to emphasize the critical connection between housing, loss and damage, and climate… Read More Join the Global Village Volunteers Program: Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and Help Build a World Where Everyone Has a Decent Home  September 27, 2024 Stories and News We are excited to announce that Habitat for Humanity Malawi is now accepting bookings for Global Village volunteers from October 2024 through December 2025! Join a global community of change-makers… Read More HFH Malawi hosts Ministry of lands delegates to appreciate innovative housing solutions August 29, 2024 Stories and News On August 21 and 22, 2024, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted a two-day field visit to the Director of Housing and officials from the Ministry of Lands to its projects implementing areas in Blantyre… Read More HFH Malawi partners with DREAAM team to paint a house August 27, 2024 Stories and News On August 2 of this year, Habitat for Humanity Malawi had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM), a non-profit organization… Read More Building the Future: Insights and Innovations from the National Housing Symposium August 13, 2024 Stories and News The inaugural National Housing Symposium, which took place from 29th to 30th July 2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, a collaborative effort by Habitat for Humanity Malawi and… Read More

As Americans around the world commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the U.S. Embassy in Malawi partnered with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and dedicated a day of voluntary community service by painting a house for a partner family. In honour of Dr. King’s selfless dedication to promoting equality, justice, and compassion, U.S. Embassy staff, family members, and friends joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Malawi to support vulnerable communities in Lilongwe. In honour of Dr. King’s selfless dedication to promoting equality, justice, and compassion, U.S. Embassy staff, family members, and friends joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Malawi to support vulnerable communities in Lilongwe. Together, the volunteers worked in supporting the construction of affordable housing units for low-income families, promoting safe and secure shelter as a fundamental human right. “Today, we remember Dr. King’s powerful message of love, forgiveness, and service to others.  Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Malawi, we aim to support Malawians and promote the values of compassion, empathy, and kindness that Dr. King embodied,” said Jeanmary Maldonado, Community Liaison Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a national initiative in the United States, encouraging Americans to volunteer their time to help others in their communities.  The U.S. Embassy in Malawi is proud to continue this tradition, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and community engagement in Malawi. “Habitat for Humanity Malawi is grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Embassy and we are looking for more such engagements with U.S. citizens,” said Chifundo Zulu, HFH Malawi Resource Development and Partnership Coordinator. Zulu added:  “This is a good demonstration that together, we can create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  We are open to all individuals and organizations to come and partner with us in voluntary services in support for improved access to decent housing”.

Over the past few days, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted delegates from Germany, including Johanna Kunz, Project Manager from the Foundation of German Lions, to review the progress of the WASH project in T/A Ngolongoliwa, Thyolo District. The project, funded by the Foundation, aims to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. During the visit, the delegates engaged with community structures such as Water Point Committees (WPCs) and observed how the project is enhancing daily life. Key interventions include providing potable water through boreholes, training artisans in safe latrine construction, equipping Area Mechanics for borehole maintenance, and promoting hand hygiene and total sanitation. Highlights of the project include the construction of 180 user-friendly latrines (170 corbelled and 10 Fossa Alterna), training of 10 local artisans and 7 Area Mechanics, installation of 10 disaster-resilient boreholes, rehabilitation of 20 boreholes, and implementing the Community-Led Total Sanitation approach in 46 communities. These efforts led to the certification of T/A Ngolongoliwa as an Open Defecation Free (ODF) area by the National Sanitation and Hygiene Task Force.  

In a powerful demonstration of global commitment to sanitation and dignity for all, Habitat for Humanity Malawi, along with its partners including Self Help Africa (SHA) and Thyolo District Council, yesterday commemorated World Toilet Day, celebrated under the theme “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” by declaring five Traditional Authorities as Open Defecation Free (ODF) in the district. This year’s theme emphasises the interconnectedness of sanitation, health, and climate resilience. Habitat Malawi, with its long-standing commitment to building homes and communities, recognises that safe sanitation is a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities. In 2023, Habitat Malawi, in collaboration with Self Help Africa, initiated the ODF triggering initiatives in five areas: Kapichi, Khwethemule, Ngolongoliwa, Nanseta, and Changata. This marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve public health, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development. With funding from the Foundation of the German Lions, Habitat Malawi has been implementing a WASH project, which aims at Improving Livelihoods Through the Introduction of Sustainable WASH Practices in Rural Communities of the district and has currently constructed 180 improved latrines.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi has joined Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to emphasize the critical connection between housing, loss and damage, and climate resilience. At the global conference, HFHI is advocating for housing to be recognized as a frontline defense against climate change. As climate change intensifies, its impacts—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—pose significant challenges to housing accessibility and affordability. These effects are particularly devastating for low-income families in Malawi, especially in informal settlements, who contribute the least to carbon emissions yet bear the brunt of climate risks. To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is partnering with local governments, communities, and civil society to implement sustainable housing solutions tailored to the unique climate risks facing vulnerable Malawians. At a COP29 side event co-hosted by Habitat for Humanity, UN-Habitat, and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Habitat Malawi’s Advocacy Coordinator, Chrispin Chavula, highlighted the need for stronger global advocacy on loss and damage. He emphasized the importance of empowering local and regional governments to develop effective, context-specific responses. Through its Home Equals advocacy campaign, Habitat Malawi is driving equitable access to adequate housing in informal settlements, framing housing as a cornerstone of climate resilience, social equity, and economic well-being. Chavula also urged the Malawi government to prioritize housing in its climate policies, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country’s strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. This call aligns with findings in a recent Habitat for Humanity report, which revealed that housing is often overlooked in climate strategies, despite its pivotal role in building resilience. For more details, refer to the NDCs report by Habitat for Humanity.

We are excited to announce that Habitat for Humanity Malawi is now accepting bookings for Global Village volunteers from October 2024 through December 2025! Join a global community of change-makers and help ensure everyone has a decent place to live while immersing yourself in the warm culture of Malawi. Habitat for Humanity Malawi invites you to join thousands of volunteers from around the world working together to eliminate poverty housing, one house at a time. You will have the unique opportunity to work alongside a family, helping them build their home, strengthen their community, and create lasting memories that will enrich both their lives and your own. If your group has a spirit of adventure, are willing to fundraise and work hard to transform the lives of vulnerable families in Malawi, you can be part of the Global Village experience. Since March 2024, we have hosted over 125 volunteers from countries including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and France. We are excited to welcome new teams, including volunteers from House of HR, Legian Team, Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), AW Groep, and Rabobank. Interested in volunteering? Want to explore how volunteer projects foster global connectedness and solidarity? Curious about how responsible volunteering aligns with international development? Want to help a decent house for a vulnerable family? Depending on where you are coming from/country you would be traveling from, please use the following emails addresses to know more or to register: Germany, Switzerland and Austria gv@habitatforhumanity.deGreat Britain | hello@habitatforhumanity.org.ukThe Netherlands | info@habitat.nlNorthern Ireland | gv@habitatni.co.ukIreland | gv@habitatireland.ieThe United States | gv@habitat.orgCanada | globalvillage@habitat.ca Another country in Europe, the Middle East | gv.emea@habitat.org Other countries in Africa | gv.afr@habitat.org

On August 21 and 22, 2024, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted a two-day field visit to the Director of Housing and officials from the Ministry of Lands to its projects implementing areas in Blantyre and Mulanje districts respectively. The visit focused on showcasing innovative, affordable, and sustainable housing and environmental solutions that HFH Malawi is supporting Malawi government in achieving Malawi 2063 as the organization positions housing as a key driver for sustainable development and economic growth. During the two-day field visit, the Ministry of Lands representatives had opportunity to appreciate and witness the production of soil-stabilized blocks (SSB) and cement blocks at the Production and Resource Training Center in Blantyre where HFH Malawi is fostering the use of eco-friendly materials in the construction industry, promoting entrepreneurship, and vocational skills among young people. Furthermore, the team also visited Natchidwa Camp in Mulanje where HFH Malawi is constructing 37 disaster-resilient houses to support the families affected by the brunt of Cyclone Freddy in 2023. Among these, two houses have adopted recently introduced Malawi housing designs. In his closing remarks, the Director of Housing acknowledged the significant contributions of Habitat for Humanity Malawi and emphasized the integral role of the Ministry of Lands in supporting and encouraging the organization to continue its leadership in pioneering housing initiatives across the country. The field visit reignited interest in the potential of post-disaster settings as catalysts for innovative and sustainable housing solutions. The integration of livelihoods, agriculture, solar energy, and other cross-sectoral initiatives is essential to ensuring that rural communities in Malawi have access to resilient, dignified, and sustainable housing solutions.

On August 2 of this year, Habitat for Humanity Malawi had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM), a non-profit organization from Illinois, United States of America (USA) who were facilitated by the Lilongwe City Council, our partner in executing the Home Equals project in Area 27, Lilongwe. The DREAAM team visited Malawi to engage with local communities through various service activities and youth programs in selected schools. We collaborated with the DREAAM team from the USA and our National Office staff to paint a newly constructed house for one of our partner families in Area 27, where we are implementing our Home Equals project. With enthusiasm and dedication, the young men and the executive team from DREAAM rolled up their sleeves and brought the house one step closer to becoming a decent home for Gladys, a 73-year-old grandmother who cares for three orphaned grandchildren.  

The inaugural National Housing Symposium, which took place from 29th to 30th July 2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, a collaborative effort by Habitat for Humanity Malawi and the Ministry for Lands and Department of Housing, showcased the launch of the Malawi Housing Corporation’s new headquarters by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera. The two-day event also introduced Malawi Designs, a collection of 18 disaster-resilient housing prototypes for urban and rural areas, now accessible to all Malawians, highlighting the inclusive nature of this pioneering initiative.   The symposium also played a crucial role in reviewing the National Housing Policy and identifying current gaps. Panels and presentations provided valuable insights into affordable and sustainable housing, aligning with the vision of Malawi 2063. Topics ranged from sustainable materials and disaster-resilient designs to urban planning and financing solutions like Public-Private Partnerships and social enterprises. These discussions are pivotal for advancing housing policy and implementation in Malawi. Key participants included Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Relief Services, Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC), Malawi Red Cross Society, UN IOM, NICO, Old Mutual, Small Farm Cities Africa, Gift of the Givers, SVTP, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), NBS Bank, and Eris and many others. Day 1: Exploring the Challenges and Innovations in Malawian Housing The crisp early morning air of Lilongwe marked the beginning of the inaugural National Housing Symposium. His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera officially broke ground for the future headquarters of the Malawi Housing Corporation on Capital Hill, symbolizing a new chapter in Malawi’s housing development. The symposium then moved to the Bingu International Convention Center (BICC), where attendees were greeted with vibrant songs and dances, setting a lively tone for the event. A highlight of the day was the showcase of various housing models, each built with different materials and innovative concepts. Habitat for Humanity presented a house constructed with interlocking soil-stabilized blocks (SSBs), promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Catholic Relief Services demonstrated disaster-resilient housing with deep, elevated foundations to combat flooding. The Malawi Housing Corporation showcased the durability and sustainability of cement blocks, while Small Farm Cities Africa integrated agriculture and education into their housing solutions, addressing broader socioeconomic issues.   The symposium also featured tours of these model houses, allowing attendees to explore diverse housing approaches firsthand. Talks, Panels, and Presentations The inaugural day of the National Housing Symposium began with a reflective look at Malawi’s housing history. Surveyors Nkosi and Mawanya set the stage by examining past housing projects and their pitfalls. They highlighted issues such as poor community participation and inadequate planning, which have led to abandoned initiatives and dissatisfaction with housing solutions. A notable example was a World Bank Project that provided shell homes with basic infrastructure, only for many beneficiaries to resell their units to higher-income buyers, leading to unintended outcomes. The symposium quickly shifted focus to urgent contemporary issues, particularly the gaps in the National Housing Policy. Mr Kingsley Mhlungu, Deputy Director of Housing at the Ministry of Lands, presented a critical review of the policy, first updated in 2019. Despite an accompanying implementation and monitoring plan, several challenges remain, including the lack of a drafted National Housing Act, regulatory issues, land disputes, high interest rates, and insufficient urban infrastructure. Lungu emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions, including incentives for affordable housing and improved funding mechanisms. He stressed the importance of robust public-private partnerships (PPPs) in addressing these issues and creating incentives for affordable housing development. Representatives from NICO expressed willingness to support affordable housing, provided there were tangible benefits for private entities. The disparity between urban and rural housing was also discussed, with an emphasis on addressing rural housing issues to alleviate urban pressure. This approach requires coordinated efforts to ensure access to livelihoods, services, education, and health in rural areas. Addressing the issue of housing finance, it became clear that current mortgage systems predominantly benefit those already financially empowered. Past initiatives, such as the New Business Society’s housing loans, have led to increased debt and repossession, exacerbating affordability problems. This ongoing challenge underscores the need for innovative financial solutions and greater inclusion. Amid these discussions, Habitat for Humanity showcased its approach to tackling housing challenges through sustainable materials and social enterprises. Their model emphasizes affordable, disaster-resilient housing, while Catholic Relief Services highlighted its Housing Construction Manual, which provides guidelines for constructing resilient homes. RiseUp Malawi further explored the theme of disaster resilience, discussing the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction and response (DRRR) into housing solutions. They stressed that many communities are repeatedly affected by similar issues due to a lack of continuous learning and effective risk-reduction measures. DoDMA representatives added that existing legislation on disaster risk reduction and housing often lacks cohesion, leading to fragmented approaches. Dickens Mahwayo underscored the need for proactive rather than reactive disaster resilience, as proactive measures are often more cost-effective and sustainable. The World Bank’s Shock Waves Report highlighted the lack of disaster risk reduction and response (DRRR) elements in Malawi’s urban housing, stressing the need for long-term resilience in the face of climate change and poverty alleviation. In summary, the first day of the symposium set a dynamic and insightful foundation for addressing Malawi’s housing challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient housing solutions. “Housing should be affordable outside the confines of a project or program.” – Dickens Mahwayo Day 2: Unpacking Housing Solutions and Challenges A call to action. Day two of the National Housing Symposium began with a recap of the previous day’s discussions, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of housing issues in Malawi. The focus remained on affordability, the effectiveness of managed rentals, the use of traditional materials, public-private partnerships, and the need for a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the National Housing Policy. This day sought to build on the foundation laid, aiming to uncover and address the multifaceted challenges in the housing sector. John Chombe opened the day’s discussions with a thought-provoking presentation on the intersectionality of housing. He argued that housing is not an