March 2020
Kia ora everyone and welcome to another update for Mphatikizo. I am writing this from lockdown here in Christchurch where I am with the kids, Regina being in Malawi, the family like many others, experiencing self-isolation , the worlds new normal for now. I thought I would start this update with the photo on the right. This was taken last year during the handover to Agogo Ayia of her beautiful house by our friends from Methven. It shows the wonderful work that can be done through communities and people that care. In these times of forced isolation look at that wonderful photo and look forward to what we can do again together when this is over.
Unfortunately, the virus does not irradiate poverty, and our community in Mtubwi is more vulnerable than most. As of writing Malawi has only a handful of recorded cases and let us pray that the virus does not take hold there. In a country where medical facilities are basic at best, in a society that is very much community-based, the effects could be devastating.
At Mphatikizo last week Regina called community meetings to discuss the world situation and how it will affect us at Mtubwi. She has been running classes on sanitary behavior and social distancing. The Pre School Feeding centre has been closed to protect our kids, we have however made a commitment to keep providing porridge and maize to children during this shutdown. We will also continue to visit and assist local families were needed with our food parcels to the vulnerable and elderly continuing. All Mphatikizo staff with the exception of our guards, one boy to care for the cattle, and volunteers to distribute food have been sent home on half salary.
On a more positive note our maize, which we planted last year as a food security measure, is close to harvest. This was grown on land we rented and will be put into storage to help with food assistance and income at a later date should and when we need it. This land was worked entirely on a volunteer basis and shows what the community can achieve when they work together.
The picture on the left shows the compled work on our khola for the cows. Both are in calf at present so fingers crossed we get some results. The roof has been added to the khola for both sun and rain relief and is our third attempt at an enclosure after the damaging rains last year. We have also purchased some goats with the end goal of Feta Cheese. After having cattle for some time now we understand goats are far more suited to our environment but will see how well these animals go!
I am going to finish this here, the kids are up and ironically we are back to home school. To everyone we thank you for your continued support in times which are for everyone uncertain to say the least. Poverty remains a constant for many with the virus being another hardship for them to endure. People in Mtubwi very much need our help and continued support. From the Smedley family our thoughts and love to you all.