Education and Nutrition
We have an early childhood development center which holds up to 150 students between the ages of 0-7 years. The school was constructed in 2018, but the official opening was in February 2020. The school provides a daily nutritious meal for the children and clean drinking water from the school well. The school has a kitchen, playground, and child friendly restrooms.
We have had several programs in the past made possible by donors, which have included distributing food, clothing, toys, hygiene kits, blankets, school uniforms, and shoes to the students of the school as well as other children in the village.
The goal is to offer primary and secondary education and vocational training while also encouraging self-sustaining agricultural initiatives.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Children's Corner is a youth mentorship program that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Reach The Needy. The youth discuss daily challenges that they face such as drugs, alcohol, early sexual encounters, and childhood marriages. They receive counseling and mentorship. We also engage the students in positive recreational activities such as sports and outdoor movies.
Through Children's Corner, we learned that girls were engaging in sexual encounters to obtain money for sanitary pads as their parents/guardians could not afford it. Other girls were making makeshift pads by cutting up strips of old clothing. Most girls were missing a week of school every month due to their period, which led to increased school dropout rates. Because of this, we started a hygiene kit distribution program for the girls.
Initially, we started distributing disposable pads every month but then partnered with a local organization called "Days for Girls" which provide hygiene kits, including reusable pads, underwear, soap and lotion as well as teaching/education for the girls. We have had testimonials from girls stating that they are now able to stay in school and engage in normal activities during their period, and are no longer engaging in sexual encounters for money. This has made a huge impact for the girls in the community.
We have also distributed hygiene kits to the boys and provided sexual and reproductive health education to both the boys and girls.
Agriculture
There is a small farm at the school, which grows maize and groundnuts to help with food supply for the students.
In 2023, we obtained a mega farm and have started agriculture on a large scale, which will serve as an income generating activity for the organization. We are currently planting maize and groundnuts. The local community has been empowered and involved in the planting of the crops.
Healthcare
There is a gap in quality, easily accessible and affordable healthcare in Malawi, especially in the rural areas. Our goal is to open an under 5 clinic at the school which will provide immunizations and treatment of minor illnesses for the students.
During the cholera outbreak in 2023, we held an event where we administered vaccinations to all the students and some members of the community as well as provide education (both written and verbal) on hygiene and handwashing techniques. We also distributed cleaning supplies to the community.
The future goal is to open a health center and modern hospital in the village, which will provide easy and immediate access to healthcare.
How you can help Reach The Needy of Malawi
Donate
You can donate towards the school or specific programs that we have such as hygiene kit distribution, scholarships, or building program in an effort to expand the school.
PARTNERSHIPS
We are looking for organizations that we can partner with to help empower the children and youth in Malawi, such as those providing books, healthcare, clothing, food, or hygiene kits for the students.
Sponsorship
You can sponsor a package for each student at the school, which will provide them with a daily meal, school uniform, shoes, and school supplies.