Stories and News

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).

Meet Efelo Nyirongo, a 47-year-old small-scale business owner at Target Market in Mchengautuwa East Ward, Mzuzu city. She is among the 320 beneficiaries of the ‘Cash for Work’ initiative under the ‘Strengthening All-Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Linking Early Warning to Early Action’ project in Mzuzu City Council. Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFH Malawi) is implementing this two-year project in three Malawian cities: Mzuzu, Blantyre, and Zomba. The project aims to protect livelihoods in these urban centers through enhanced, all-inclusive disaster preparedness. It seeks to build resilience, empower communities, and foster proactive measures at community, city, and national levels to create safer and more resilient urban environments in Malawi. Efelo Nyirongo, a mother of four, has actively participated in community initiatives on drainage clearing and waste management in her neighborhood. She volunteered to assist with local artisan work, such as providing water at drainage rehabilitation sites. Previously known in her neighborhood for her involvement in sex work, she decided to change her life after experiencing repeated gender-based violence from her clients. “I used to suffer severe beatings from cruel customers who often didn’t pay me,” she said, her face filled with regret. “I was involved in prostitution for survival, to ensure my four children never went to bed hungry,” she added. Year after year, her rented house, located near the drainage rehabilitation works, was affected by floods due to poor drainage. She decided to assist with the construction work, supplying water for a daily wage of MK2800 over 10 days, totaling MK28,000. She saved this money throughout the construction period and decided to leave prostitution. She started a small business selling tomatoes, onions, fruits, vegetables, and cooked groundnuts. On a good day, she could earn between MK5000 and MK6000. When another opportunity arose, a cash-for-work initiative within the project where communities were clearing waste, she also benefited. Through the initiative the communities were receiving MK1800 for four man-days of work. ‘I used all of my earnings to expand my business,’ she said with a smile. She added that she used the waste she collected from the drainage to make manure for her small-scale backyard vegetable garden. “I am grateful for this project. It has transformed my livelihood. I no longer struggle to pay rent, and I have a stable small-scale business.’ She added that the drainage rehabilitation has made her home safe from the effects of flooding.” Through the project, HFH Malawi is targeting 12 wards in Blantyre, Zomba, and Mzuzu, focusing on 4 wards per city. In Blantyre, the wards are Bangwe, Blantyre South, Ndirande, and Matope. In Mzuzu, they are Mchengautuwa East, Mchengautuwa West, Nkholongo-Lupaso, and Zolozolo West. In Zomba, the project operates in Likangala, Chambo, Chinamwali, and Sadzi wards. With a key focus on establishing risk-informed urban early warning systems linked to early action. The project aims to significantly reduce the risk of injuries, deaths, and property loss/damage resulting from disasters experienced by the population in these cities by the end of 2024. At least 18,725 beneficiaries have been prioritized in each of the cities: Mzuzu, Blantyre, and Zomba

Habitat for Humanity Malawi on 30th March 2024, bid farewell to the Legian team of Global Village Volunteers from the Netherlands. The team, which stayed in Malawi for 7 days, provided support in constructing two houses for vulnerable families in the T/A Kabudula area of Lilongwe district.   During the farewell ceremony, the team officially handed over the two houses to the beneficiary families. To add excitement to the event, they had the opportunity to savor traditional Malawian food and experience the local culture through various traditional dances such as Chimtali, choirs, Gulewakhulu, and others. The Legian team also showcased their own dances, providing a glimpse into Dutch culture for the Malawian communities present. In recognition of their dedicated efforts to uplift the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Malawi, Habitat for Humanity Malawi presented each member of the Legian team with a certificate of appreciation. Senior Chief Gwirize, in his remarks, highlighted the collaboration between community members, chiefs, and volunteers from the Netherlands as a shining example of what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause. He emphasized that regardless of our origins, we can make a profound impact by working together towards a shared vision of a better world. HFH Malawi is delighted to resume hosting teams of Global Village volunteers after the program’s closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second team of Global Village Volunteers is expected to arrive in Malawi on April 6, 2024, to provide support in constructing two houses in the T/A Kabudula area.    

We are back! Habitat for Humanity Malawi is thrilled to announce the resumption of hosting teams of Global Village volunteers after the program’s closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.     Meanwhile, HFH Malawi from 23rd to 30th March 2024, is currently hosting the first team of Global Village volunteers from the Netherlands, known as the Legian team. Furthermore, yesterday, the Senior Management Team (SMT) of HFH Malawi paid a courtesy visit to Kabudula, where the GV team is volunteering in the construction of two houses. The purpose of the visit was to appreciate the team’s support for vulnerable communities and to interact with them. During their time in Malawi, the team will construct two houses for two vulnerable families in the area of T/A Kabudula in Lilongwe District.

In its commitment to addressing the root causes of water-related conflicts among communities, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is excited to join key stakeholders in the water sector as part of the two-day (Water Services Association of Malawi (WASAMA) 2024 National Water Conference and Exhibition at BICC in Lilongwe.   The conference, which is currently underway, is being held under the theme of the 2024 World Water Day Commemoration: “Leveraging Water for Peace.” The two-day conference provides a forum for stakeholders to share experiences and generate innovations and solutions that will help Malawi achieve the goals of Malawi 2063. Furthermore, the conference focuses on the indispensable role water plays in sustaining life, fostering growth, and promoting peace among individuals’ livelihoods. Among other things, to spice up the event, different stakeholders showcased various innovations that they are implementing to ensure water security among the communities they serve. In addition, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Abia Sidik Mia, Minister of Water and Sanitation, toured various pavilions that the stakeholders were showcasing. During the tour, HFH Malawi had the privilege of showcasing its pavilion to the Minister. The pavilion features a solar-powered, grid-connected water supply system designed to supply water to the 8 communities (villages). This is part of the “Strengthening the Resilience of Vulnerable Rural Communities through Improved and Sustainable Water Management in TA Masumbankhunda” project that the organization is implementing.”

As we continue with the Loss and Damage Conference in Lilongwe, we also celebrate International Forest Day today. We recognize that environmental sustainability is central in combating climate change. Therefore, embracing reforestation and afforestation initiatives is key to securing a greener future for generations to come. Climate justice actors joined hands to plant trees at the Botanic Garden in Lilongwe to commemorate International Day of Forests. During the planting exercise, Professor Sosten Chiotcha led the team under the theme for the 2024 #IDF: “𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅.” Did you know that forests help to store carbon and save different types of plants and animals, which is very important for life on Earth?Let’s come up with new ideas to help forests and make sure they are protected for the future.

In a bid to create a conducive environment and productive young people in Malawi, Habitat for Humanity Malawi in 2019 embarked on a project aimed at equipping youths with vocational skills at its Skills Resource Centre in Salima. One of the beneficiaries of the program in the district, Andrew Dausi from Katambo village in T/A Salima said he has experienced a life-changing journey through the Centre’s carpentry program. At the Centre, Andrew, aged-24 learned the foundations of carpentry, from basic techniques to advanced craftsmanship, honing his skills through hands-on training. “Through practical learning experiences and real-world projects, I gained valuable hands-on experience, allowing me to develop the precision and diligence required in the trade. The mentorship provided by Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s skilled carpenters who offered guidance and shared their expertise plus internship opportunities that I got further nurtured my growth,” Andrew narrated. Furthermore, Andrew said the program not only equipped him with technical skills but also instilled in him a sense of responsibility, professionalism, and pride in his craft. Apart from supporting himself and the family, he has also hired his fellow youth to help him in running a barbershop business. Through his profession, he can support himself and his family with their needs. ‘’Before acquiring these carpentry skills, I was struggling financially. Now, I am singing a new song because through it I can get money from various clients, enabling me to support my family,” he explained. Months after Andrew graduated from school, he got his first job which only helped him secure more clients. It was from the savings he got from his first few jobs that he started his own barbershop business. He still does piecework for various clients whenever they are available. He also outlined some challenges that young people trading in vocational skills profession are facing. Among the challenges are insufficient capital, some clients are not honoring their payments in time, excessive cost of carpentry tools, rental issues, and high cost of living in Malawi. Andrew’s story exemplifies the potential that lies within individuals when provided with the right opportunities and support. He appeals to Habitat for Humanity Malawi to expand the range of vocational programs and provide ongoing support and mentorship to young people in Malawi and ensuring that individuals have the tools and resources necessary to succeed. Habitat for Humanity Malawi was implementing the vocational skills training program in Salima with support from the European Union (EU) through SOS Children’s Villages Organization.