Yesterday, we had a Facebook Livestream to introduce our new Energy and Environment Program, and we were excited to see the interest from our viewers. If you missed the livestream, don't worry; we are happy to share more about this innovative program in today's blog article. Follow the link below to learn more about the program.
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.
The Orant Journal
What does Orant mean?
Have you ever wondered what Orant means? It’s not just a funny word - it has a deeper meaning that we’re telling you about this week in the blog. Read more about it here and learn where we got our name and why we are grateful for you, our readers, donors, and supporters, this week and always.
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A traditional Malawian breakfast or snack, Chigumu is a delicious banana cake that satisfies your sweet tooth while also being nutritious. Try it today!
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We are so happy about the strides our Business Development Program is making. In today’s post, we share the story of Judith Kachala, a Financially Empowering Microloans (FEM) for Women program cohort 3 member. Judith’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Read our latest blog to learn more about Judith’s story.
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Apply today for jobs with our Assistant Facilities Coordinator position in Dowa, Malawi!
Job: Energy and Environment Program Manager
Apply today for jobs with our Energy and Environment Program Manager position in Dowa, Malawi!
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Empowering Our Team, Enhancing Our Impact
Did you know? At Orant Charities we are committed to holistic development and supporting the educational aspirations of our staff. Thus, we offer educational loans to our staff because we love seeing them progress with their education and advance their skills and knowledge. Read our latest blog to learn more about how important this is, not only to our staff but also to the growth of the organisation.