Ripple Africa is working with, and changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Malawians mainly through our Environment projects but also our Agriculture, Education and Healthcare projects too.
The aim of Ripple Africa has always been to inspire local communities to become the change and the solution to the problem, and we’d like to introduce you to some of the incredible people who have embraced the change and are benefiting from the projects.
Mwandofia Banda is one tree farmer that we have worked with. He successfully raised 3,400 seedlings, and said, “I have six children, and these trees will support my family in the future.”
Mwandofia explained that the land he used to plant the seedlings out on was previously used for farming, and although it is no longer good for farming crops, it is good land for planting trees. He will continue growing soya and sweet potatoes on other farming land that he owns.
He is also protecting an area of trees next to his home as they need firewood for cooking. They hope one day to have one of our fuel-efficient cookstoves so that they only must coppice branches for firewood.
MWANDOFIA IN HIS TREE NURSERY WITH TWO OF HIS CHILDREN
MWANDOFIA AND CHILDREN WITH THE PROTECTED TREES
MWANDOFIA WITH HIS PLANTED OUT SEEDLINGS
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Aida is a happy mother – even if her twins don’t look totally convinced. She cooks for her husband and seven children on her fuel-efficient cookstove, and she is grateful because it has saved her time.
She said, “I only go to collect firewood once per week, before I was going three or four times. I now have more time to farm. We have opened a third plot, and we are hoping that this will provide us with enough food for our family.”
In Mangochi District, one Beach Village Committee (BVC) found hundreds of illegal fish traps being used in a fish breeding area.
Maliro BVC members saw that migrant fishermen were using these illegal traps lined with mosquito nets.
They organised a meeting with Chiefs, the Area Development Committee, the Village Development Committee and Community Policing, and together they confiscated 300 fish traps.
Every year the Fruit Tree Community Clubs donate a percentage of their trees to local schools and vulnerable people.
This year James and his family benefitted and received 10 different fruit trees. James is one of our clients that we support through the Disabilities and Rehabilitation project as he has cerebral palsy.
Loveness, who works with James, is pictured here with his mother as they planted one of fruit tree seedlings.
His mother and sister both care for James and they are grateful that they will have fruits to eat and enjoy.
Mary is benefitting from our menstrual cup project. She is 17 and is in Standard 7 at Mwaya Primary School. One of the first girls to receive the menstrual cup, Mary was just as nervous as she was excited.
She said, “I look forward to being able to save a bit of money. Being the oldest and only daughter in my family, due to our culture, I only go to my aunt when I have questions about my body.”
Mary continued to say that since joining the girl’s group, run by Rebecca, she now has someone else she trusts and can talk to.
Chisomo is now walking independently, another achievement to celebrate.
This milestone has been achieved in a relatively short space of time.
In September 2024 Chisomo’s mum, Loveness and volunteer Hannah made parallel bars. Loveness also made back slabs for his legs.
Since then, Chisomo has done his exercises each day at home, and attended weekly group sessions. Well done, Chisomo!
Say hi to twin brothers, Abraham and Dev. The 5-year-old’s attend one of our pre-school’s. They are each other’s best friend.
Abraham is quiet and shy whereas his brother Dev is loud and silly. Dev likes to play outside with the ball and have a football match with the other boys at school.
Abraham likes the bouncy hoppers and playing with the toy cars with the other children.
Dev likes to learn about numbers and can count to 10. Abraham likes to learn about English. He can say the alphabet and enjoys the stories the teachers read.
They both enjoy their tea and sweet potato at the end of morning.
