The Chimteka villages have grown to 21 and are situated 120 km west of the capital Lilongwe with the last 20km rough red dirt roads,
near the border with Zambia. The total population of Chimteka is 6,233; out of this population there are 1239 households
, 116 elderly headed households, 8 child headed households and 1113 orphans - the majority of the orphans are integrated with other households. Around 14-20% would have HIV(Aids).
The people are of the Chechewe tribe and speak that language. They are a friendly, laid back and
non-violent people. Each of the 21 villages has its own chief with the overall chief being Mr Francis Kamude Phiri, an intelligent, well-educated man.
Sponsors and Finances
The charity is supported by the Sutton and surrounding areas; in particular by St Fintans church and Sutton Park School.
Some of our other sponsors include: ESB, Bank of Ireland, our auditors, Grant Reddy and Origin Finance, Development Co-operation Ireland of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Dineen Chimteka Trust in Woldingham. Funds are also raised by standing order, an annual Spring lunch at Sutton Golf Club, occasional corporate lunches and Parish collections.
All funds raised for Chimteka go directly to the villages. We source all we need from within Malawi itself and our treasurer,
Paul makes direct payments for goods and services bought. We have two bank accounts in Malawi; one for euro and the other
for Kwacha, the local currency. Money from grants and
fund-raising goes directly to the Euro account, from which we can transfer smaller amounts to the Kwacha account as
necessary.
