Malawi is prone to extreme weather and natural disasters such as floods, droughts and hailstorms. Much of the economy is agricultural with nearly 60% of the total land used for growing food. This makes many people of Malawi prone to food insecurity due to extreme weather.
But food insecurity is only portion of the challenges the country faces. The population is rapidly growing, straining the infrastructure. Poverty is rampant, with nearly 72% of the people living on less than $2.15 per day. Opportunities for children to receive secondary education and for new mothers to receive pre- and postnatal care are scarce.
Perhaps one of the scariest statistics, however, is the fact that the median age is just under 17 years old. You might think that would indicate unbridled opportunity. In fact, it’s an indication of low life expectancy. Malawi has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in all of Africa.
The country needs change. It needs opportunity. It needs Christ.
Compassion has been exploring the possibility of working in Malawi for many years. In 2020, a new president known for being a Christian introduced a desire for reform. He opened the country to receive more non-governmental international aid.
In 2021, Compassion began creating partnerships with local churches who had the heart for reaching youth and the ability to implement the relevant center-run child development programs.
One of those churches was in the small village of Machinga. The community is characterized by broken families, low literacy levels and a lack of sustainable income, leaving many children in multidimensional poverty. Families lack food, healthcare, education and the means to meet other basic needs.
That has begun to change now that Compassion is partnering with Pastor Clement and his Ferry Assemblies of God Church in Machinga.