Malawi 2010

The next trip to Malawi...

On the 20th October 2010, a team from Preston will be travelling to Mangochi in Malawi for nine days. We plan to take hundreds of mosquito nets and blankets for the poorest communities from in and around the city. We will also be working closely with a local secondary school, running craft activities, sports and games for the children, and engaging in social action projects in the most deprived areas. The hope is to continue the work of the Lydia House International Trust, achieving real and sustainable change in the area.

There is a definite need for support in the country; it is the seventh poorest in the world, with 1 in 4 children dying before they reach the age of 5. Only 3.4% of the population complete secondary education and 42% of the population are illiterate. Education is free up to the age of 11, but after that school fees can be around 60,000 Kwatcha (£250) a year. To put that into context, over half of the population live on less than 9522 Kwatcha a year, and in the Malawi culture, if families are able to afford it, boys are sent to secondary school before girls.

Over the last few years we have made strong links with communities and leaders through regular trips and ongoing projects in the country. We have built a strong understanding of the need and have gained the support, input and advice of local leaders including Head teachers, church leaders and officials.

The team are hoping to pay for their flights themselves, but the total cost for each person is high (approx. £1100 pp), and so any assistance with this would be much appreciated. There is also a cost involved in the purchasing of mosquito nets and sports/craft equipment, and so we really do urge you to consider making a donation.

The trip in October is exciting for everyone involved, and is sure to change people's lives for the better. However, there is no way we can manage to do this on our own, the team need all kinds of support, both spiritual and financial, so if you feel you are able to help in any way, please contact us through this website or click the donate tab.

Thank you