January 2021
Welcome to another Mphatikizo update and the first for 2021. I apologize for not being in touch pre-Christmas but last year finished much the same as it had behaved all year for our family and many others the world over. Malawi saw out the end of 2020 relatively unscathed from the Covid pandemic while it wreaked havoc in the rest of the world. From the perspective of our community in Mtubwi life’s battles remained unchanged with Covid adding both the lockdowns and an increase in the everyday cost of living. For a country of 18 million people they had relatively few reported cases or deaths. Unfortunately, like many countries in the world 2021 has brought a second wave of the virus to Malawi and this time an increase in the number of reported cases and deaths. In a country like Malawi with its weak infrastructure and high poverty level we can only pray the virus will not take hold in these small and already vulnerable communities. As of last week, speaking with Regina there were 19 new cases in Machinga and the wearing of face masks of some description was mandatory. As usual, these figures may be unreliable and government enforcement of lockdowns or social distancing will be erratic at best due to lack of money.
At Mphatikizo we are continuing to support our communities throughout the pandemic and the various stages of lockdown. We are supplying face masks and sanitizer when possible, are continuing to operate the feeding program throughout the lockdowns and are running community education programs on the virus. In addition, we are continuing with our food and medical assistance as required.
On to other news above is the Christmas party that we hold each year for the kids this year having the added bonus of a visit by the Malawian Charity “Hearts Without Borders “who gave out care packages for the children containing soap, sugar, soy, oil and biscuits. Its always awesome to see young Malawians being actively involved in helping fight poverty in their country.
After getting their parcels the kids and parents sat down to a meal of goat curry, nsima, beans, rice and relish. Christmas breakup is always a much looked forward to event by the community and is one day where they can forget about their day to day struggles and enjoy the spirit of Christmas as we do here as well as enjoying each other’s company. Many thanks to Hearts without Borders for their donations and help on the day and we hope this relationship will be continued.
Above are pictures of the new pump at the Orphanage! The response to our request for help was unbelievable and our much-needed borehole was up and running in no time. In a time of such uncertainty for many people all over the world it was humbling to see how quickly we were able to replace the pump. A massive thankyou to the four donations that made this happen. The pump purchased is an AFRIDEV pump which have been in Africa for many years. They are sturdy and reliable with spare parts being both readily available and cost effective. Many families rely on this borehole as their primary source of water and we cannot thank the Mphatikizo community enough for responding. A great outcome.
On the left is a picture of one of our Malawian volunteers. Mphatikizo is about people helping others in need and this work is predominately done by volunteers both in Malawi and in New Zealand. Mphatikizo has managed over a difficult year to maintain its community support through volunteers and supporters like you. 2021 will bring its challenges, which unfortunately it seems will be greater than we have had in the past. Having just got off the phone with Regina she has said the virus is beginning to get a foothold with a massive increase in deaths with the Deputy Prime Minister falling victim to the virus. Her comment was if it took him how will it affect our poorer communities? Mphatikizo will be there helping people where we can and it is your love and support that makes this possible. From the Smedley Family a belated Happy New Year with many thank yous and much love to our Mphatikizo family, volunteers, supporters and tireless soldiers.
Zikomo