Today, we are excited to kick off our celebration of International Women's Day! We are honoring the incredible achievements of women worldwide, acknowledging the obstacles they face, and advocating for a more just and equitable society. This year's theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls for collective action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, ensuring a future where no one is left behind. At Orant, we're committed to empowering rural women in our community. Read our latest blog article to discover the ways we're working towards a more equitable future for all.
Transforming Lives with Mwayiwathu Farming Club
Author: Praises Padambo
Transforming Lives with Mwayiwathu Farming Club
After two years of dedication and hardwork, the 10 members of Mwayiwathu Farming Club have successfully graduated. We are so proud to celebrate their remarkable achievements and transformation. Meet Feleyi Jestala, one of the Mwayiwathu members. Aged 38, Feleyi hails from Chimbalu Village and she shares her joyful experience with Mwayiwathu.
“For the three years I have been with Mwayiwathu, I have learnt a lot of things which have transformed my life. I have learnt to work with others and to tolerate different views,” she says.
Feleyi explains that from the proceeds that she has been realising through farming, she managed to buy a bicycle, pigs and has been paying her children’s school fees without any struggles.
“I am also knowledgeable about good farming techniques. I have also learnt that there are other things that I can not have access to as an individual but as a group,” says Feleyi.
What excites Feleyi the most is the encouragement to work alongside her spouse, which greatly contributed to the success of their farming.
Elsewhere in Mphamba village, Rabson Kambwita is also happy about the transformation he has made with Mwayiwathu Farming Club. Rabson explains how through the proceeds he has seen for the past 3 years, he has managed to take care of his old parents, has bought 3 pigs and has always had enough food to feed his family for the whole year.
“I have also been able to buy additional farm inputs for farming,” says Rabson.
Looking ahead, Rabson’s ambitions grow. “My next goals are to acquire more land for farming and invest in rental properties, securing a brighter future for my family,”
What makes up the Mwayiwathu Farming Club?
Orant gives 20 acres of its land to 10 families, providing each family with 2 acres to cultivate crops for food and for commercial purposes. Each family is encouraged to grow at least an acre of maize for food security and another acre for either groundnuts or soybean, promoting diversification and business potential. The goal is to ensure food security and to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit in agriculture. Farmers are also given a farming input loan at zero interest rates, which they pay back after harvesting and making sales. These loans are provided in the form of agricultural inputs, to make sure that farmers utilise the support exclusively for farming purposes.
After completing the program, families graduate, making way for a new cohort. This ensures continuous impact and opportunities for families.
Looking at the future, the Mwayiwathu Farming club project envisions a cooperative where graduating farmers join forces together with other farmers to become leaders in their community. As Mwayiwathu continues to thrive, we are excited to recruit a new cohort so we can empower more farmers. Be on the lookout for more updates from this project.
Share on:
The Orant Journal
It's been a while since we last shared an update on our Mobile Outreach clinic, but rest assured that our team has been working tirelessly to deliver healthcare services to hard-to-reach populations. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, our clinic remains in full swing, with our team venturing out every day to bring medical care to those who need it most. In today's blog, we highlight the significance of our Mobile Outreach clinic during this rainy season, and its impact on the communities we serve.
It's been a while since we last shared an update on our Mobile Outreach clinic, but rest assured that our team has been working tirelessly to deliver healthcare services to hard-to-reach populations. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, our clinic remains in full swing, with our team venturing out every day to bring medical care to those who need it most. In today's blog, we highlight the significance of our Mobile Outreach clinic during this rainy season, and its impact on the communities we serve.
As the backbone of Malawi's economy, agriculture accounts for approximately 30% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. It is the primary source of livelihood for many rural Malawians, who solely rely on farming to make ends meet. However, the journey to a successful harvest is never easy for these rural farmers, who face numerous challenges that threaten their livelihoods. In this week's blog article, we delve into the current challenges facing Malawi’s rural farmers this farming season.
In today's fast-paced world, digital financial literacy is more important than ever. It is essential for saving time and resources, as most financial transactions have gone digital. This week, our Business Development program launched a digital financial literacy campaign, building on our previous "Hey Sister! Show me your mobile money" campaign. Read our latest blog article to learn more about this campaign and its impact on our communities.
These beaming smiles belong to our Tikondane Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group members, who have just harvested the fruits of their labor after a year of hard work and diligent saving. Through our VSL program, these incredible individuals have learned the value of saving, budgeting, and investing in the future of their families. Click the link below to learn more about how VSLs work and hear incredible stories from these women.
Meet Lester Mwalwenje, Orant's new Energy and Environment Program Manager. We are so excited to have him on board!
Congratulations to the recipients of the Ulemu Scholarship for 2024/2025! We are so proud of you!
Malawian culture has always been known as a treasure trove of wisdom, and proverbs being an integral part of our rich heritage. These timeless sayings have been passed on through generations, offering guidance, direction, and warnings that shape our values, beliefs, and daily lives. In this blog series, we delve into the world of Malawian proverbs, exploring their meanings, contexts and significance. Read today's blog post which serves as a continuation to our journey.
Apply today for jobs with our Medical Assistant position in Dowa, Malawi!