Trying to think of some income generating activities, the most obvious is the grinding mill with the infrastructure already in place. It was a great success until the engine went bang and lead to a lot of income being generated for the CBCC and the paying of schools fees for a number of orphans.
All that is required is A new engine; a cheaper Indian manufactured unit would be approx 250,000 Mkw, (€1,400) with a life of 3 to 4 years or a better option but double the price would be a Lister but if properly maintained could last indefinitely. The next problem/issue would be the day to day running of the mill as previously it was managed by a team of volunteers with the problem of no one person taking responsibility for maintenance of the unit or management of the cash. Another option could be the employment of one or two young people/orphans (in shifts) to be responsible for maintenance and monetary affairs with a close supervision by ourselves of course!!
Disability
Farming and Gardens
UNICEF partners (Chimteka CBO) to approach them at the very beginning of the process of formulating a development strategy and commit to a PCA (Program Cooperation Agreement) for funding over $20,000. Then working in partnership to develop the proposal and ultimately implement the objectives.
Otherwise organizations can make a small scale Funding Application (SSFA), for amounts less than $20,000.
Fundraising afternoon at French Corner. We take our local band that incorporates two people with disabilities; a blind percussionist and wheel chair bound guitarist.
The band play very well using local made instruments (including guitars made from old tin containers and percussion made from anything that makes a different noise when you hit it!!).
The turnout is not that great but people donate some good articles of clothing and 45kg of children’s blankets that should benefit the disabled community.
• The yield of maize in the school and community garden and in the local community in general was good; comparable with 2007.
The drying crib constructed by CCS is 3/4 full and it will be interesting to see how much there is when it is transferred in to the silo after shilling and treating.
• The Soya harvest from the community garden with the volunteers is a good although some of the crop has been pilfered and the sun has caused the pods to split and shed some of the beans.
•Bean Harvest also good
Nutrition
The collection of the Vitameal allocation from the Office of the President for People living with Hiv and Aids Program (PLWHA) is going to suddenly end when the collaboration between PLWHA and Feed the Children is terminated because of rampant abuse of vitameal allocations.
Health
• 107 children’s blankets were collected by Evelynne.
• A man comes to the office with a huge abscess on his neck, something more the size you would expect on a cow rather than a human as he has heard we have medical provisions. Unfortunately I explain that we exist to support the capacity of the already existing health service rather than replace it and advise with some regret that he follows the correct (and often v.slow) channels. This happens quite often that people come to us seeking assistance and we unfortunately have to turn them away, as although I can use my position to cut through a lot of bureaucracy; I only like to do this in really critical medical emergencies.
• The Motorcycle Ambulance trailer is ready for collection in Lusaka. Regarding operation of the MAT the DHO offered his full support and promised to make available a motorcycle, fuel and driver for this pilot program. I hope he keeps his promise….
Set off for Lusaka with Francis and my mechanic (and friend) from Mchinji, Sylvester. Cross the Malawi border at 9 am with no difficulties but have to pay carbon tax, temporary export permit and buy 30 days insurance before being allowed to enter Zambia.
At 7pm after traveling over 600km reach Zambia. Stay in a lodge on the outskirts of the city in a “family room”….pretty strange looking family.
Pickup the MAT from Disacare-very interesting project with disabled people making mobility products for the physically impaired including wheelchairs, bicycle ambulances, walkers, tricycles etc got pictures.
The MAT is very well made but a little concerned about the size…lets wait for the trial results.
People at disacare are extremely friendly and we stay far too long chatting and even get involved in helping them make a promotional video…set off much later than planned for the journey back.
Reach Malawi Border at 10:30pm and I am worried about getting across the border with paper work etc. Need not have worried as after taking 10 minutes to wake up the immigration officer he was not interested in forms of any kind and just stamps everything.
• Take a sick boy who lives near Chimteka to the hospital, he has been suffering from sickle cell anemia; this is about his fourth time to be admitted. We have given him lifts to Lilongwe Hospital and he has even been to Blantyre to seek treatment. I remember taking him into hospital in November when I was sure he would not be coming out again…he was so sick. He has unfortunately suffered complete paralysis of his legs but his parents are very dedicated in trying to look for assistance.
• Evelyne undertakes clinic for 5 children and seems to be very happy with the results she is achieving. The disabled children really are the poorest of the poor and it is great that Evelyne is able to assist them and just as important is her work in showing that the parents are supported and are not alone in the care of their children.
Other
• At a residential meeting with Francis in Lilongwe with UNICEF and its partners, I learnt that UNICEF no longer wants to be seen as a donor but as a partner in development. Proposed new strategies are:
• A local T/A-chief in the District dies; (T/A Zulu), involving everyone in the preparation for the funeral. He is not a Chechewa (like the majority of people) but a Ngoni meaning he is buried sitting down clutching a spear and shield with lots of dancing etc.
• Annie, a nurse who is associated with Woldingham, is visiting in November and is taking baby clothes knitted by a kind lady. She says:
“Nick Gras, Tony Cole and I have agreed to donate £2500 which can be spent on essential items needed in Chimteka and part -fund my travel expenses, although I shall keep this to a minimum. You will probably be in the best position to decide on how to spend the money. “