As they drove down the muddy road, the driver realized he could no longer control the vehicle. He tried everything to get to the other side, but it was no use. So, the AFP team had to ask some of the beneficiaries to help move the manna pack boxes to the distribution area. Knowing it was in their best interest, they didn’t hesitate to lift the boxes on their heads one by one. As the other car they hired to help arrived two hours later, the people had already done most of the work. The car only carried a few boxes to the distribution area. It’s in this situation that unity is truly shown. The people of Kasitu understood if they did not help carry the boxes, they wouldn’t be able to receive the rice meal packets.

Soon, the distribution began, and all 660 people who had gathered to receive the rice meals received food and went home happily. One of the beneficiaries, Ganizani Yolofati, praised AFP for their kindness. He said, “You’re doing a commendable job, and even though the road here in Kasitu is difficult, you don’t give up and still came to bless us. This just shows how much love and care your organization has for the affected people. We don’t take this for granted. As for me and my family, we’ll eat very well because of the nutritious food you have given us today. May God richly bless you and everyone who made this distribution possible so that you can continue reaching many.”

Action for Progress continues to bring smiles and joy to people after distributing the manna pack rice meals. Wilson Tembo, from Action for Progress sums it up, “It feels good to know that some people who were affected by hunger can now breathe a sigh of relief by having a little something to eat for a few days. It’s not enough, but at least it has changed some people’s situations.”

This program is made possible by your donations, and the work of Action for Progress, the Malawi Project, and Grain Train.

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Kondwani lives with his grandparents and attends Katalima Primary School, where he’s in grade 5. He’s worked hard in his studies, earning 7th place out of over 100 students in previous exams, which shows he’s not just dreaming but actively working towards his goal.

However, like many children in rural Malawi, Kondwani faces daily challenges that threaten his life and dream. The most difficult is the lack of food. Sometimes, Kondwani and his grandparents go to bed hungry, and at times he has no breakfast. Sadly, hunger is a constant part of his life.

It’s clear that a hungry child struggles to focus on their studies in class. There’s no easy way to succeed, and for Kondwani to reach his future, someone needs to help him. It could be a friend, a brother, a neighbor, or a helping hand to provide the essentials that can keep his dream alive. That helping hand came through Action for Progress, working with its partners.

During tough times like now, many children suffer in silence. They can’t support themselves to get what they need. That’s why children should be protected and supported fully. On the day of the food distribution, the team arrived at the second distribution center late in the afternoon, after another distribution earlier that day. Despite the delay, the villagers waited patiently. When the truck finally arrived, everything changed. The worried faces turned bright. 

Among the villagers waiting for food was “Kondwani Phiri.” He stood in line with everyone else, patiently waiting for his turn. When he finally got his fortified rice meals, his excitement was hard to contain.

It looked like a small package, but it meant he wouldn’t go to bed hungry for a few days. It meant he could go to school with something to eat and focus better in class. And better focus could lead to better grades, which might help him reach his dream of serving in the military.

The food might not last forever, but it will be enough to make a real difference. It will give Kondwani and his grandparent some time to relax and take care of other things. What might seem like a small package to others is actually a big step forward for Kondwani’s future. It’s helped reduce hunger in his home and given him a sense of security.

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Dowa district hospital, established in 1931, has long been the go-to hospital for medical care in the district. However, there’s been a significant issue with the operations across different departments, primarily because of the lack of suitable equipment. As a result, the hospital reached out to Action for Progress, asking for help with various medical equipment. According to Dr. Ronald Mhango, the District medical officer for Dowa, the hospital has been struggling with the absence of wheelchairs to move patients between wards, especially those who need to be admitted. “It’s been quite a challenge and seeing our patients not receive the best possible care has been incredibly frustrating. We’ve been trying to find equipment, but it hasn’t been easy until Action for Progress answered our call. Today is truly a wonderful day at Dowa DHO as we unveil the much-needed equipment they’ve donated.”

Action for Progress generously donated beds, mattresses, dental chairs, wheelchairs, clutches, and many other items. During the handover ceremony, AFP Executive Director Wilson Tembo mentioned that they’re well aware of the shortage of medical equipment in hospitals, especially in rural areas where people often rely on government hospitals because private services are too expensive. When Dowa DHO asked for help, they didn’t hesitate to find a donation and assist. Fortunately, the donation was made possible with the help of the Malawi Project in the U.S. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Dowa DMO, Dr. Ronald Mhango, noted that the donation is exactly what they needed. “We’ve been struggling to get good equipment like this in departments like dental, maternity, and the regular wards. We’re so honored to receive this equipment, which will change how we provide care forever. We won’t have to worry about transferring patients from one ward to another anymore because we now have wheelchairs that we were missing. Thank you so much, Action for Progress, for remembering us and for remembering Dowa.” The DMO also stressed the importance of taking extra care of the equipment to ensure it lasts, as such equipment is not easily available.

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The world has been clearing approximately 10 million hectares of forests annually to make way for agricultural expansion, livestock rearing, urban development, and the production of materials such as paper. This contributes to about 16% of the global deforestation rate. Notably, 96% of deforestation occurs in tropical forests, as reported by Earth.org.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa has lost 29.6 million hectares of forest over the past decade. The United Nations has projected a decline in the continent’s forest area from 699.2 million hectares in 2015 to 662.2 million hectares in 2025, (Africa Agribusiness news).

Online data indicates that Malawi continues to experience significant deforestation, with estimates suggesting that over 250,000 hectares (approximately 617,000 acres) of forest cover were lost between 2001 and 2023. Recent data reveals an annual loss rate of approximately 42,000 hectares (over 100,000 acres). Major factors contributing to deforestation include the expansion of agricultural land, logging, and infrastructure development. Consequently, climate change has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, resulting in devastating consequences such as floods and human casualties.

As the global population continues to grow, the demand for resources increases proportionally. Individuals engage in indiscriminate tree cutting solely for firewood, burning charcoal for livelihood, and neglecting the replanting of trees. This has led to land degradation, adversely affecting crop yields in agricultural fields. The climate has undergone irreversible changes.

In 2026 alone, the Malawi government plans to plant a total of 41 million trees. This initiative is not unprecedented. Annually, the government leads tree planting exercises that garner widespread public participation. It is imperative that individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, regardless of their affiliation with the state or non-state sectors, assume the responsibility of replanting trees.

In response to the pressing need for environmental conservation, Action for Progress through the Department of Forestry implemented a strategic initiative to promote sustainable practices. The organization commenced a tree planting exercise at Mponda Primary School in Dowa District, employing the “Tree for Shoes” program. This program was started by the Malawi Project in the late 1990’s and it aims to enhance forest cover and mitigate climate-related challenges.

On the day of the event, approximately 7,200 trees were successfully planted. The ceremony was presided over by the District Environmental Officer. Attendees included the Board Member of Action for Progress, Madalitso Mwandoloma, the District Forestry Officer, the Executive Director of Action for Progress, Senior Group Village Headmen, and their respective subjects.

During the event, the Forestry Officer demonstrated the proper techniques for tree planting and emphasized the importance of community members providing adequate care for the newly planted trees until they reach maturity. According to the organization’s Director, Wilson Tembo, “providing shoes to farmers after they have planted trees serves as a tangible motivation, highlighting the significance of environmental stewardship.” In her remarks, the Board Member of the Trustees of Action for Progress underscored the divine mandate for individuals to prioritize environmental conservation.

Following the successful tree planting initiative of the previous year, Action for Progress has undertaken a renewed commitment to its environmental conservation efforts. Approximately 2,000 individuals participated in the tree planting activity, resulting in the successful planting of 7,200 trees. The tangible impact of this endeavor is evident as the ground is now covered with growing tree seedlings.

The Shoes for Trees program was instituted by the Malawi Project in the early 2000’s and is made possible by individual contributors, and major shoe donations from Walmart Corporation. Action for Progress is the Malawi sister organization to the Malawi Project and the two work together to source aid from the U.S. and supply assistance to the people of Malawi.

Picture: One of the villagers holds a number of tree seedlings while others in the distance are planting the new seedlings.

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In many places, village children don’t get to go to school. Instead, they’re seen day after day taking care of their uncles’ or parents’ animals. Sadly, too many are forced to work on the farm while their friends are in school.

Wilson Tembo, Director for Action for Progress, wonders as he looks out over the countryside, “Is this the way to raise children when education is denied them, but tending the animals is encouraged? Are they missing out on an education that would make them more productive for their families and communities?” He continues, “During a recent trip to Dowa district for a tree planting exercise, we saw children aged 10-14 caring for cattle and goats. It was early in the morning, around 9 or 10, and a weekday. These kids, so young, were supposed to be in school, but they were out in the bush. When I asked one boy why he was taking care of goats instead of going to school, he said, ‘I really want to go to school, but I don’t have the basics like clothes and books. So, I don’t have anywhere to get them, which is why I do this. It’s not like my friends and I are happy doing this while our friends are in school, but we don’t have anyone to help us.’ This really struck me because I had thought these kids were enjoying what they were doing, but I learned they didn’t have help. It was so sad. I’ve come to realize that when we visit rural areas, we should know that not everything people in rural areas are doing is easy or enjoyable. Sometimes, they have no choice but to do things they don’t like. It is called survival.”

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Action for Progress has been distributing mobility units that have made a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities across most of Malawi. Nearly 4,000 units have reached those in need,  and this followed the receipt of over 4,500 all-terrain wheelchairs in previous years.

A few weeks ago, Mobility Ministries, the manufacturer of these units, introduced an improved design to address some of the challenges with the previous model. The new design is more comfortable, efficient, and durable for users. The first of these new units reached Malawi and the life of Madalitso Frackson from Msaka Village in Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa District.

Madalitso, a 26-year-old woman, had to crawl on the ground after her wheelchair was taken away. She was told the wheelchair needed to be given to someone who was going to school. Even though she had never been to school, it wasn’t her fault. She just didn’t have access to education.

That was a tough time for her, but it also changed her life. Madalitso decided that if she ever got another mobility device, she would go to school right away.

She says, “When the first unit was taken away from me, I realized that people who go to school or run a business are seen as more important. They get priority. I promised myself that if I ever got another wheelchair, I would go to school no matter how old I was. I want to learn how to read and write, and if I can, I want to go to university. My dream is to become a doctor.”

When the new unit arrived at Action for Progress, Madalitso was the first person to try it out. She was so excited!

“This tricycle is fast, more comfortable, and easy to ride,” she said with a smile. “I don’t have to use too much energy, and that makes it easier for me to move around and go to school.”

She proudly said she has already started school and is in Standard One at Chisepo Primary School. Last term, she got ninth place in her class, and she’s still working hard to do well. She doesn’t mind learning with younger kids because she’s focused on achieving her goals.

The new tricycle is more than just an upgrade in design. It’s a fresh start for those who struggled with the old model. Now, they can enjoy better comfort, efficiency, and independence. And the new design is even more durable, so they can use it for years to come.

With your continued support, Action for Progress, working with the Malawi Project and Mobility Ministries, will keep working to help people with disabilities get around, be included, and pursue their dreams.

The post 26-YEAR-OLD ENROLLS IN SCHOOL appeared first on Malawi Project.

This call came at a time when people across the country are facing severe food shortages due to the dry spells during the 2024/2025 farming season. Also, the fields are still green, making it impossible for anyone to harvest food from them. After distributions in Dowa, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, and Mzimba, the organization realized the need to reach out to the community near the AfP headquarters. Director Wilson Tembo explained, “Hunger is everywhere, and we cannot ignore the fact that our neighbors here in Lilongwe also need food assistance. We have some amount of maize that we can share with them. I know it won’t be enough, but at least it will provide for some days, and even a small amount is better than nothing.”

As the distribution began, each person received at least 10 kilograms of maize to feed their families. It was a simple, easy, peaceful, and fruitful distribution, as everyone went home with smiles on their faces after receiving a package of 10kgs of maize each. Church elder Zimtambira praised the organization and the Executive director for their timely gesture. He said, “This is what we call servant leadership, stewardship, and fellowship. It may seem small to others, but trust me, you have provided and blessed so many lives today with food that they did not have. May God continue to bless the works of your hands as you continue to serve and save many lives in Malawi. God bless Action for Progress.”

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In the countryside, where parents rise with the sun to tend to the farm, little ones often tag along, unable to stay home alone since their siblings are off to school. They find endless fun in playing with whatever they find on the farm, seeing it as more exciting than anything else.

Sometimes, parents send children on small errands, like fetching vegetables or firewood from the farm. They believe this is a way to teach them responsibility, so they won’t have to worry when they’re older. When a child is sent, a brother or sister eagerly offers to accompany them, knowing that anything could happen and they need to be there to keep each other safe. This bond gives them a sense of security.

Growing up in this way, they learn to love, support, and protect each other. They become each other’s keepers and shields.

The post I AM MY SISTER’S KEEPER appeared first on Malawi Project.

Problems:​ Changing weather patterns necessitates lifestyle adjustments. However, individuals often resist change and adhere to familiar patterns. This resistance poses challenges when rainfall patterns become inconsistent, resulting in insufficient rainfall for sustaining crop production.

The maize planters face a shortage of manufacturing costs, and generating

interest in the United States to produce them is arduous. Many Americans lack a comprehensive understanding of food production in impoverished regions.

The introduction of novel methods and systems requires time and patience.

Americans tend to seek immediate results, which is not the norm in most African cultures. Consequently, interest and support can quickly diminish even before sufficient time, energy, and funding can be allocated to a specific project. 

Outcomes:​ The adoption of maize planters is poised to significantly enhance crop yields by enabling farmers to plant maize easier and more efficiently compared to traditional methods. This advancement will not only boost crop production within individual households but also contribute to overall increased crop yields for entire villages. 

​​The successful implementation of the maize planters will underscore the necessity for village farmers to demonstrate a receptive attitude towards other potential changes that may hold value and significance for the entire farm community.

The post PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MAIZE PLANTERS appeared first on Malawi Project.

One can easily mistake the scene for a construction site. However, Tembo’s accompanying note reveals the building had been destroyed by intense storms. The devastation extended well beyond the building; it affected crops, villages, houses, and the lives of many people.

Dick Stephens, of the Malawi Project, notes, “I have not been able to get these scenes out of my mind. They give me a different perspective when I enter our church building in the States. I am struck by our intact walls, well-painted interior, and finely finished ceiling. I am more aware of the warmth and comfort of the interior, the padded pews, songbooks, and Bibles readily available for all attendees, and the carpeted floors. The stark contrast between what we have and what they have is hard to comprehend. As I look around our auditorium, I recall the Bible verse, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

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