Mulli Bwanji and welcome to another update from Mphatikizo. As is always the case we have had a busy month in Mtubwi with the kids returning to the pre school and a little more normality returning to the community. During the last month we have seen an increase in people seeking assistance for food, due mainly to the increase in prices of basic items such as salt and oil, a result of the Covid -19 pandemic, and of course the annual battle with the dry season. In Mtubwi we always seem to battle either too much water or not enough !!!. All that said this update is simply to share some of the pictures of the kids returning to school.

Thanks to your ongoing support these children and their families have continued to receive support from Mphatikizo as well as food and medical assistance during the entire lockdown in Malawi. Regina worked hard to ensure a safe return for the children who she said were very happy to be back!!!!!

The Orphanage borehole pump will in the near future require replacement /updating. This pump services around 500 people as well as providing water for the Pre- School and Kitchen. They have ceased producing this pump and it is getting harder and harder to source the seals and plunger which require replacement annually. I replaced the riser a couple of years ago due to the wall thickness being worn from 5mm down to paper thickness. All done by movement of the rubber seals which gives an indication of the use this pump gets and this riser again needs replacing! All these factors taken into consideration long term we need to replace the pump. The existing shallow well will be used so pump replacement will be markedly cheaper than the installation of the well as a whole. Regina is currently getting quotes for a replacement but if anyone is keen and able to help with funding for the pump, all and any contributions as always are much appreciated.

That wraps it up from me. As always, a huge thank you for all your continued support through what has been a difficult year. Love and hugs from the Smedley Tribe

November 2020