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 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

On 6th August 2024, Mulanje, Malawi – In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support, staff from Habitat for Humanity Malawi, Portland Cement Malawi Limited, and Mulanje District Council officials came together to participate in a symbolic house build for a family impacted by Cyclone Freddy at Nanchidwa Camp. This collaborative effort highlights Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s unwavering commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable families and acknowledges a generous donation from Portland Cement Malawi Ltd. The company contributed 600 bags of cement, valued at MK 8,340,000, to aid in constructing disaster-resilient homes for affected families at Nanchidwa Camp. The symbolic build by Portland Cement Malawi Ltd and Habitat for Humanity Malawi is part of a broader initiative to construct 37 houses for families displaced by the cyclone. This project is being carried out in partnership with various stakeholders. Victor Chambayika Mhango, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Malawi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Portland Cement Malawi Ltd for their vital support. He emphasized the significant impact of the cement donation on the construction of the 37 housing units and appealed to Portland Cement to continue its support, aiding Habitat for Humanity Malawi in its mission to ensure every Malawian has access to decent housing. Mhango also called for further collaboration and support from additional stakeholders to bridge the gap in constructing 59 additional housing units. Initially, the plan was to build 96 housing units, but financial constraints have limited the current project to 37 units. At the event, Violet Vilili, Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs, and Administration at Portland Cement Malawi Ltd, reaffirmed the company’s belief that shelter is a fundamental human need. She stressed the importance of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity Malawi, which goes beyond providing roofs to offering hope, dignity, and the chance for communities to rebuild their lives. The ongoing construction of the 37 housing units at Nanchidwa Camp has been made possible by the generosity of numerous individuals and organizations, including the Gale family from the United States, Habitat for Humanity International, FDH Bank, Portland Cement Malawi Ltd, the Malawian government, and local community members.

In a significant development, Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFH Malawi) has received a substantial donation of MwK2,000,000 from Centenary Bank Limited. The funds are earmarked to support the Nanchidwa Housing Project in Mulanje, where HFH Malawi is steadfastly working to construct 59 houses for community members affected by Cyclone Freddy. These individuals currently reside in temporary camps within the area, and 37 houses are already under construction to accommodate the affected population. During the symbolic presentation of the donation, HFH Malawi’s National Director, Victor C. Mhango, expressed gratitude to Centenary Bank for their generous gesture. He emphasized that the donation would greatly assist the organization in providing resilient housing to more households affected by Cyclone Freddy in the district. Mhango further explained that the donation would also empower families to acquire a place they can call home. He emphasized that this marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Habitat and Centenary Bank. Additionally, he called upon other corporate and development partners to collaborate with HFH Malawi in complementing the efforts of the Malawi Government to provide decent housing and services to all Malawians. In his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of Centenary Bank in Malawi, Godfrey Byekwaso, underscored the bank’s keen observation of HFH Malawi’s impactful work and their longstanding admiration for the organization’s unwavering commitment to providing shelter, stability, and resilience to vulnerable families affected by the cyclone. Byekwaso also commended HFH Malawi’s multifaceted efforts in supporting vulnerable groups, advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene, and constructing disaster-resilient homes.

In loving memory of Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, a visionary leader and the Vice President of Malawi, and eight other officials. Your legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire us. May your soul rest in peace.

  In an effort to uplift communities and create a bright future for Malawians, Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFH Malawi) engages local artisans to implement sustainable projects in the areas where it works. As part of its commitment to empower local artisans, HFH Malawi provides them with various theoretical and practical training once they are hired for its projects. Joseph Malakamu, a 28-year-old artisan from Cheluka village in T/A Kabudula, where HFH Malawi is implementing a Vulnerable Group Housing Project, is one of the beneficiaries. Joseph expressed his gratitude to HFH Malawi for giving him the opportunity to work on the project in his area. He stated that through his recruitment, he has been able to enhance his craftsmanship and carpentry skills through hands-on training and working on diverse projects. ‘’When I heard that Habitat for Humanity Malawi team were looking for artisans for various disciplines to work for their projects, I took courage and applied for the Carpentry and Joinery positions even though I thought my craftmanship skills were not that perfect,’’ Joseph narrated. His craftmanship not only provides a livelihood for him and his family but also contributes to the local economy, creating employment opportunities for others in the community. ‘’Through my carpentry and joinery profession, I can get livelihood necessities and support my family. I have managed to buy one hector of land from the savings made when I was receiving my wages from Habitat for Humanity Malawi,‘’ he explained. Through the HFH Malawi’s projects that are being implemented in T/A Kabudula, Joseph said he has also experienced personal growth, he was empowered, and he believes that he will impact his community positively.

We are excited to announce that HFH Malawi is now officially accredited to welcome volunteers from all over the world. After temporarily closing our program in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been gradually reopening and hosting volunteers through a pilot resumption project from September 2023 to June 2024. Initially, only volunteers from select countries were allowed to participate while we worked towards full accreditation. We are pleased to share that HFH Malawi is now ready to welcome volunteers from across the globe to join us in fulfilling our mission. Since the resumption of the Global Village Volunteers program in March of this year, HFH Malawi has been hosting volunteers from the Netherlands. These volunteers have been supporting the organization in constructing houses for vulnerable communities, as we strive to advocate for safe, affordable, and decent housing in Malawi. Among the groups of volunteers from the Netherlands that HFH Malawi has hosted are Legian, AW Groep, and Rabobank groups 1 and 2. Be a part of the team that is transforming the livelihoods of vulnerable communities through volunteerism. Booking opportunities are available from July 2024 to December 2025.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted a three-day visit from the Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) team from the United Kingdom, from April 22nd to April 24th. Along with others, the JOA team had the opportunity to tour the project catchment areas of T/A Kabudula and Masumbamkunda, where HFH Malawi is implementing its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) as well as Vulnerable Group Housing projects. They also visited the #HomeEquals impact area, known as Area 27. During the visit, the JOA team interacted with community members, gaining a better understanding of how the projects implemented by HFH Malawi are improving their livelihoods. Throughout their time here, the JOA team engaged with the staff members of HFH Malawi, learning about the organization’s work in advocating for decent housing and gaining insight into the various programmatic areas in which HFH Malawi is involved.