Data is one of the most important tools in all our programs as it helps us measure whether our programs are making an impact or when it’s time for change. For the past three weeks, our Education program has been surveying schools in our catchment area. Check out today’s blog to learn more about how this survey is going to contribute to our Education program.
A Community-Based Approach to Development in Malawi
Orant Charities Africa is a local Malawian NGO. Our approach to development is community-based. Here’s what we mean by that:
We share goals with local leaders.
Both Orant and local leaders want to achieve stable communities. We want reliable institutions. And dependable community services. To achieve this, we must develop in the following areas:
We involve local leaders in decision-making.
When Orant starts a new project, we talk to chiefs and local leaders. With them, we assess community needs. While projects are running, we meet with group village headmen for program updates. As they participate in our programs, we participate in theirs.
At the local level, we attend village and area development meetings. At the district level, we attend meetings as well. We report to the District Council. The District assures that our programs don’t overlap with other NGOs. It assigns zones to NGOs who provide similar services. This keeps each org focused on a specific geographic area.
We ask our community questions.
One way we assess our programs is through community input. This is integral when we’re expanding our programs. We interview our beneficiaries to find out what they think. What’s working? What’s not working? Where do they need more? Where do they need less?
Local communities contribute resources to our programs.
We don’t just help our local community. They help us. Local leaders mobilize available resources for our projects. The community gathers quarry stones, sand, and bricks. People step in to provide labor. The Government of Malawi supplies our Health Center with medicines. They provide malaria tests, family planning supplies, and HIV retroviral treatment. District officials train our staff on country-wide approaches. They also supervise many of our projects.
“Malawi is a collectivist society,” says our Country Director, Gabriel Kapanda. “Almost everyone wants to participate.”
Orant is not interested in doing everything ourselves. We’re interested in our community’s independent vitality. We accomplish more when we work together. Lasting change happens at the local level.
The Orant Journal
How big is Malawi?
How big is Malawi? How does Malawi compare to US states? Learn more here!
Colonial Rule in Malawi
Colonial Rule in Malawi occurred from 1891 to 1963, when Great Britain ruled Malawi as a British colony.
The Culture of Malawi: Tribes of Malawi
Malawi has many native tribes including Chewa, Yao, Tumbuka, and Sena. Read our blog to learn more about the tribes of Malawi.
Congratulations to the Ulemu Scholarship Recipients!
Congratulations to the Ulemu Scholarship Recipients! Orant’s Ulemu scholarship seeks to invest in the education of outstanding, hardworking and intelligent Malawian students by sponsoring them towards getting a diploma or bachelor’s degree. Read their bios here!
Conducting Mobile Outreach Clinics in Malawi
Your donations have purchased a new trailer for our Mobile Outreach Clinic! Read our latest blog as our Mobile Outreach Clinic (MOC) team shares how the new trailer will be of great help to the team’s daily operations.
The Culture of Malawi: Languages of Malawi
Next in our series on the culture of Malawi, learn about the many languages spoken in Malawi.
Celebrating 5 Years of FEM for Women
Learn how to make this favorite Malawian dish, Mpiru Otendera. One of Malawi’s most popular recipes, Mpiru Otendera (mustard greens with peanut flour) is a nutritious and filling recipe that goes well with many meals.
Ensuring WASH Program Sustainability Through Water Point Committees
We are excited to have trained the Chika Water Point Committee (WPC) as a way of ensuring sustainability. Read our latest blog to learn more about WPCs and the role they play.
The Culture of Malawi: Chitenje Cloth and Traditional Dress
Bright, colorful fabrics worn as skirts, headwraps, or even as baby carriers, chitenje cloth is part of the fabric of African life and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Malawi and other African countries. In this blog, we’ll explore how chitenje is used in Malawi.