Stories

Since 2010 Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM) has been implementing the Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (OVC) project in Mulanje District. The project focuses on improving the living conditions of OVCs through construction of decent, durable houses and provision of related services. To date Habitat for humanity Malawi has constructed 266 houses as well as provided training for 266 caregivers and 170 community leaders in the areas of Traditional Authorities Juma, Nthiramanja and Nkando. The Wills writing and Inheritance rights training is one of the 4 main trainings under the project and it focuses on protecting property rights of OVCs and their care givers through community mobilization, training and helping ensure that OVCs have suitable care. The training is very vital in helping beneficiaries protect their homes through Will writing and empowering them to ensure that there is a long-term security in the shelter rights of the OVCs particularly in the event of death of the caregiver. The wills and inheritance training tackles five key areas: – • Property rights • Deceased estates (wills inheritance and protection act) • The new land laws • Prevention of domestic violence act • Child care, protection and justice act In 2019, HFHM engaged Mulanje DC to facilitate the property rights training under the Office of the Judiciary and Office of the Deceased Estate. During this period 24 beneficiaries and 23 local leaders were trained. After realizing that HFHM targets the most vulnerable groups that are unable to manage the annual storage fee for wills which is MK1000 every year; the Office of the DC through the Deceased Estate Office offered to store the wills of HFHM beneficiaries for free. 24 beneficiaries have collected confirmation letters from HFHM and submitted their wills at Mulanje District commissioner’s office at no cost. 37-year-old Agnes Malemia and her family were blessed to be among the 24 families that benefited from the project. Living in Ntolera village; Agnes is a widow who looks after three OVCs and was amongst the 24 beneficiaries who submitted their wills to Mulanje DC’s Office. “I am so happy that I have written a will and the DC’s office has accepted it, l am now a proud mother knowing that even if I died today no one will take away this house and my other properties from my children. Thank you very much Habitat for Humanity Malawi for assisting us, we could not have afforded to do this on our own” Agnes Malemia-Project Beneficiary. Follow the link below to read the full story on our Facebook page… https://www.facebook.com/1419448728335934/posts/2692322244381903/

As the government is encouraging its citizenry to stay home to prevent the spread of the novel corona virus, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is deeply concerned about the following specific population groups: those living in emergency shelters, homeless people and those living in informal settlements, often in overcrowded conditions, lacking access to water and sanitation. Their inadequacy access to decent housing makes them more vulnerable to contract the COVID-19. Stand up today with Habitat Malawi in advocating for decent housing for all as housing remains the front line defense against the COVID-19 outbreak and other multiple health issues. Follow The link below for the full story on our facebook page. https://web.facebook.com/1419448728335934/posts/2652701941677267/?sfnsn=mo&_rdc=1&_rdr Read the UN Rights material; “Housing, the frontline defense against the COVID19 outbreak https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25727&LangID=E

In Commemoration of World Water Day 2020 Habitat For Humanity Malawi reaffirms its commitment to Water and Climate Change and advocates for the following: -Eat more plant based meals! -Waste water can be re-used! -Adopt climate-smart agriculture! -Rainwater can be stored for dry periods! -Take 5minutes showers! -Vegetation protects against flooding and erosion! -Don’t throw away edible food! -consider water as part of the COVID-19 solution Follow the link below to see the full story on our Facebook page. https://web.facebook.com/1419448728335934/posts/2650884025192392/?sfnsn=mo&_rdc=1&_rdr

Take Part in the Malawi Envisioning Process; The National Transformation 2063 The National Planning Commission is consulting stakeholders from all walks of life in Malawi on what they want the country’s long-term goal to be. Habitat for Humanity Malawi believes that access to decent housing can remove barriers to prosperity, promote a self-reliant nation and economic independence that can be part of a family’s life for years and in many cases, for generations. To make your voice heard and advocate for access to decent housing for all and to contribute to the objectives of the next long-term agenda, the National Transformation 2063, please respond to this questionnaire; https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFWV7JF Thank you for making a contribution to Malawi’s future prosperity.