Stories and News

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.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi recently hosted the second cohort of Global Village volunteers from the Netherlands. The Rabobank Group 1 worked tirelessly to provide support in constructing two, 3 roomed houses Joseph Village in Traditional Authority Kabudula, Lilongwe district. The Group weaved their aspirations and immersed themselves in the community and culture to learn more about the country and experience its unique aspects. Annemieke van Dijk, a Global Village volunteer, expressed her sincere appreciation for the warm welcome extended by HFH Malawi and the communities they were assisting. Solobati Mailosi Nthala, one of the house recipients from Josephy Village in T/A Kabudula, could not hide his excitement about being a beneficiary to one of the houses during the farewell ceremony for the Rabobank Group held on April 12, 2024. He commended the team for demonstrating unity and solidarity transcending geographical boundaries and identities by collectively enhancing the well-being of vulnerable communities by creating thriving environments that they can consider home. The beneficiaries witnessed the completion of two houses within an impressive four-day period. The houses are currently at about 95% completion, with only the finishing touches remaining. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s efforts to promote its belief that safe and affordable housing offers a way out of poverty. During the farewell ceremony, HFH Malawi’s programs and finance managers graced the ceremony to bid farewell to the volunteers and to thank them for the great sacrifice they made by coming to Malawi to transform the lives of the two beneficiary families. The Rabobank Group 1 of Global Village Volunteers from the Netherlands was in Malawi for seven days. HFH Malawi is excited to continue fostering these partnerships and welcoming more volunteers from around the world as they work together to build a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.

Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of earthen materials. This trend has led to the development of eco-friendly building materials, such as compressed earth blocks (CEB), compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), and interlocking stabilized soil blocks (ISSB). Habitat for Humanity Malawi, under its project “Promoting Use of Sustainable Construction Materials in Malawi,” aims to provide affordable housing solutions to vulnerable Malawians in need of quality homes recently organized a three-week training program on the production of Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSB) and concrete blocks for its production and construction teams. According to Project Manager Siphiwe Chilumanga, the training was essential in enhancing the skills and knowledge of the production and construction teams. Chilumanga explained, “We believed it was necessary to conduct a three-week training program for our team before starting the production phase of the project. This training served as a crucial foundation for the successful execution of the project in Malawi.” Chilumanga expressed confidence that the training has equipped her team with the technical expertise required for concrete block and interlocking SSB production techniques, quality control, and best practices. She believes that this knowledge will significantly improve efficiency and productivity. Carlos Sigauque, a Senior Technical Trainer at Hydraform, emphasized the importance of training the production team before commencing their actual work. He believes that the success of the project and the achievement of its goals depend on highly skilled personnel who can produce high-quality SSBs, which are essential components in constructing durable and environmentally friendly homes. Sigauque stated, “I have full confidence in this team, and I am pleased because they will ensure the success of the Promoting Use of Sustainable Construction Materials in Malawi project. They have undergone three weeks of training, acquiring both practical and theoretical skills in the production of Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSB).” Sigauque further highlighted that the team members were introduced to principles of soil stabilization, gained an understanding of different soil properties, and learned the importance of proper mixing ratios to ensure block strength and durability. He emphasized that the project would serve as a valuable reference for both Hydraform and Malawi in promoting eco-friendly construction materials that play a crucial role in preventing climate shocks and subsequent disasters. One of the trainees, Langson George, works as a Maintenance Technician for the project. He shared that through the training, he has acquired new skills in machine operation, fixing, maintenance, and servicing. George also mentioned that he learned efficient and effective operation of block-making machines, soil preparation, proper proportions of stabilizing agents such as cement and sand, and thorough mixing to achieve a homogeneous mixture. George expressed his gratitude for the training, particularly the hands-on demonstrations of block production techniques. He testified, “Through the training, I have understood the importance of quality control measures, such as proper curing techniques and regular testing of block samples to ensure compliance with standards.” Habitat for Humanity Malawi is implementing the “Promoting Use of Sustainable Construction Materials in Malawi” project with financial support from Habitat for Humanity Great Britain and an individual philanthropist.

The National Sanitation and Hygiene Technical Committee (NSHTC) has declared Traditional Authority Ngolongoliwa in Thyolo district Open Defecation Free (ODF) following a verification exercise conducted in March 2024. The NSHTC randomly sampled 343 households from the 10 villages within the impact area. At each household, the committee confirmed the availability, usage, and privacy of a safe latrine, the condition of the drop hole cover, the presence of a handwashing facility and proof of usage, and the availability of handwashing soap, according to the report from the District Coordination Team (DCT) to confirm the T/A. The ODF status in the area has been achieved through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project that Habitat for Humanity Malawi is implementing with funding from the German Lions. The project aims to improve health and quality of life in the target communities of T/A Ngolongoliwa in Malawi. T/A Ngolongoliwa has a total population of 35,059 people with 7,579 households. However, in July 2023, prior to the project intervention, only 3,788 households (representing 49.98%) had latrines out of the total households in the area. Among those households with latrines, 249 had latrines fitted with drop hole covers, 32 had handwashing facilities, and 7 had handwashing facilities with soap (6.6%, 0.8%, and 18.9% respectively). HFH Malawi and Thyolo District Council embarked on a mission to enhance the sanitation and hygiene situation in Traditional Authority Ngolongoliwa through a participatory approach known as Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). In this approach, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) underwent training to facilitate CLTS activities. The activities commenced with triggering sessions, where communities became aware of their inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices and collectively agreed to cease open defecation. Community representatives, referred to as Natural Leaders, were selected and trained to conduct follow-ups to ensure that each household had constructed a latrine equipped with a drop hole cover and had access to a handwashing facility and soap for regular handwashing. Village heads and area development committees were also engaged in the process to achieve the desired outcomes. The Thyolo District Council has officially confirmed that there has been a decline in cholera cases in T/A Ngongoliwa ever since Habitat for Humanity Malawi started operating in the area. Judgement Kumwenda, the District WASH Coordinator, stated, “Cholera cases were widespread in TA Ngolongoliwa during the rainy season of 2022-23, but that is no longer the case in the current rainy season of 2023-2024. We credit this progress to the CLTS activities, which HFH Malawi has supported the Thyolo District Council with.” In February 2024, all 46 villages in TA Ngolongoliwa successfully attained the expected standards of sanitation and hygiene. The District Coordinating Team (DCT) duly verified the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of the area and subsequently referred it to the National Sanitation and Hygiene Technical Committee (NSHTC) for official certification. HFH Malawi actively supported the implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiatives in TA Ngolongoliwa, making a significant contribution towards the elimination of open defecation practices. This accomplishment represents a major milestone for TA Ngolongoliwa and serves as a testament to the improved health, dignity, and environmental responsibility achieved by the community. ODF communities experience a significant reduction in the risk of waterborne diseases. The provision of adequate sanitation facilities helps prevent the contamination of water sources, leading to a decrease in cases of diarrhea, cholera, and other related illnesses. Furthermore, access to proper toilets promotes better hygiene practices, thereby reducing the transmission of infections within the community. Attaining ODF status ensures the implementation of appropriate human waste management practices, effectively preventing the pollution of rivers, lakes, and soil, and therefore contributing to environmental conservation. ODF communities play a vital role in maintaining cleaner environments. Additionally, access to private toilets enhances human dignity, particularly for women and girls, as it preserves their privacy and self-respect.  

Habitat for Humanity Malawi, through the ‘Strengthening All-Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Linking Early Warning to Early Action’ project in Ndirande Makata Ward Blantyre, is enhancing the capacity of vulnerable communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. Ndauzani Butao, a resident of Ndirande Makata Ward and also a secretary for the ward Disaster Risk Management Committee, where the project is being implemented, highlighted how her community is deeply entrenched in the challenges of environmental degradation and vulnerability to natural disasters. Fortunately, Butao and her community found a relief through project’s intervention which is building community capacity and systems to help them in preparing and responding to disasters. As Butao narrated, through project-facilitated training sessions together with her community gained invaluable knowledge and skills essential for disaster risk management. “We learnt various methods on how to plan and prevent future disasters (contingency planning), how to share early warning messages, as well as we were also trained in first aid, search, and rescue techniques. Through this project, we have been capacitated to proactively mitigate risks and save lives,” she said. She further believes that active engagement and participation have been crucial in addressing environmental degradation and enhancing disaster resilience. Among other things, she emphasizes the importance of investing in training for effective disaster preparedness and response. This investment will help to prevent disaster-related shocks in her community and beyond. She added there is a need to embrace sustainable practices and advocate for policy support and institutional collaboration to foster resilient communities and sustainable development. She proclaimed: “As a member of our community, I urge everyone and Blantyre City Council officials to continue supporting initiatives like the project that Habitat for Humanity Malawi and its partners are implementing in our community. Through this project we have seen tangible improvements in Ndirande Makata Ward such as an enhancement of the main drainage systems.” Furthermore, the project has also facilitated the development of community-driven action and contingency plans, serving as a blueprint for disaster prevention and management. Habitat for Humanity Malawi is implementing the project in Mzuzu, Zomba and Blantyre City councils with financial support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).