The Orant Agroecological Demonstration Farm produces strong, nutritious crops using natural farming techniques. See some photos from the farm here!
Village Development Committees Assist Orant’s Mission
A Heartwarming Display of Community Spirit by Chikamphula VDC
Author: Praises Padambo
Village Development Committees Assist Orant’s Mission
On a beautiful Tuesday morning, a group of individuals putting on protective gear, carrying brooms, wheelbarrows and shovels is seen sweeping on our Kasese campus. While sweeping, they share stories and laugh making the task at hand a joyful experience. Their visit is a wonderful reminder of the power of community and the impact that can be made when the communities come together to support our efforts.
Despite their busy schedules, Chikamphula Village Development Committee together with community members took time out of their day to support Orant’s efforts by keeping our workplace clean and tidy. Their efforts were a testament to their commitment to serving the community and making a positive difference.
As they worked, we chatted with Group Village Head Chikamphula, who was leading the group. We were glad to learn more about their initiatives and projects. Their dedication to improving the village is truly inspiring.
“Kasese Health Centre belongs to Orant Charities Africa (OCA) but in a true sense, it belongs to the community as we are the ones who benefit from it. As such, it is our responsibility to take care of it” says Group village head Chikamphula.
What is the Village Development Committee (VDC)?
The Village Development Committee is a group of elected community members who monitor and support development projects in their area. Among other duties, the VDC takes a leading role in development activities that come together in a community. This involves knowing who is doing the development, how much money is budgeted for the development and where the money is coming from. This role helps in making sure that development projects are being implemented effectively and efficiently.
The VDC also takes community interests to the Area Development Committee (ADC) and the ADC takes it up to the district council. The VDC communicates what development projects the community wants to the government and other development partners. This plays a huge role in giving communities development projects that they need.
A Heartwarming Display of Community Spirit by Chikamphula VDC
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chikamphula VDC and the whole community for their hard work and kindness. Your selflessness and community spirit are a shining example for us all, and we feel fortunate to have you as part of our mission. Thank you again for your visit and all you do to make Orant a better place!
The Orant Journal
The Bittersweet Harvest Follow-Up
Do you remember Cellina’s experience with drought and her story of perseverance? This week we visited Cellina to learn more and catch up on how she and her family have been surviving on the 15 bags of maize she realized from her 2 acre field. Read today’s blog article to catch up on Cellina’s journey.
A New Era for Kabuluzi Primary School
Some months ago, our Education Program surveyed all the primary and secondary schools in our catchment area. There were a total of 24 schools: 20 primary and four secondary schools. We are so happy to have successfully conducted the survey and analyzed the results from it, which have helped us to start implementation of some projects. Read our latest blog to learn more about this development.
The Culture of Malawi: An Introduction to Malawian Proverbs
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 our upcoming blog series, we will delve into the world of Malawian proverbs, exploring their meanings, contexts and significance. Read today's blog post which serves as an introduction to our journey.
As Big as the Sky Book Review
Read today’s blog about the children’s book, “As Big as the Sky”, a Malawian story about a brother and sister whose love for each other is as big as the sky.
How the Mobile Outreach Clinics Operate
For years, our Healthcare program has been making waves in rural Kasese with our Kasese Health Centre and our two Mobile Outreach Clinics, operating in parts of Dowa and Kasungu districts. But have you ever wondered how our Mobile Clinics operate? In our today's blog article, we are shedding more light on what Mobile Outreach Clinics are and how they operate. Visit the link below to learn more.
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week
Every year, the first week of August is dedicated to World Breastfeeding Week. The goal is to highlight the importance of breastfeeding, to encourage and promote breastfeeding and to improve the health of babies and mothers all around the globe. The theme for 2024 Breastfeeding Week is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All, which aims at celebrating breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities and health workers can have the back of every breastfeeding mother. In today’s blog, we are sharing Malita Yohane’s breastfeeding journey and how it has been a game changer for her son Benjamin Kambambe who was born prematurely.
Breaking the Chains of Noncommunicable Diseases in Malawi
Imagine a world where noncommunicable diseases no longer hold people back from living the fullest of their lives. A world where quality healthcare services are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location. This is what our Healthcare program envisions. Read our latest to learn more about noncommunicable diseases and what our healthcare program is doing to free communities around our Kasese catchment area from the grip of such diseases.
Orant’s Values
“Orant respectfully serves and collaborates with our community in a sustainable way.”
Water Well Maintenance
At the heart of Orant’s programs and initiatives is sustainability, which is also one of our values. We believe in not only implementing programs or initiatives but also in creating long-lasting change that will continue to serve our community. In today's blog article, we talk about why we perform maintenance on water wells and how it contributes to the sustainability of our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program.