We're fundraising £12,000 to support vulnerable children and build a much needed library at the Nakondwa Primary School in Malawi. Supporting Nakondwa community group to enhance the quality of education provisions at the school and provide a safe and purposeful environment to explore knowledge and foster a love for learning.

The background

Malawi, a vibrant nation with a population of nearly 21 million, faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty and high prevalence of HIV / AIDS. With 85% of its people living in rural areas on just $1 a day, the need for educational resources has never been more critical. Many children do not attend school due to limited resources, lack of funds for uniform and / or writing materials.

Nakomdwa school established in 1962, educates children from standard 1 - 8 (roughly ages 6 - 13 years). Currently the school has 1087 students and 13 teachers. Students come to the school from the surrounding 11 villages. The school has eight functioning classrooms, and ten sanitary blocks. However, there is still work to be done to provide a fully supportive learning environment.

Up until last year the infant students at the primary school faced the challenge of learning outside under a tree in all weathers; extreme heat, extreme rain etc. Funds raised previously have now allowed the renovation of a school classroom block for a safer learning environment.

The current aim

To continue improvements to the school, we are working with Nakondwa CBO (est. 2010 a community group supporting vulnerable groups within the school catchment area) to raise £12,000 by April 2025. The funds will be used to build a school library and staff facilities. The aim being to provide essential support for students and teachers to enhance the education quality.

The funds will also be utilised to support vulnerable children who cannot get to school due to lack of funds for uniform and writing materials. Which not only limits their educational development but can also result in them having very limited access to food provisions (provided at school).

We hope the funds may also benefit towards supporting the community further with their vision to continue the development and provisions their school can offer, via development of more classroom blocks. As well as expanding their agricultural provisions to support local sustainability for the future.

The fundraising group

The fundraising group comprises, eight dedicated individuals - John Midgley, Judy Hirst, Jenny Barron, Shona Watson, Jody Cowgill, Catherine Whitwam, Judith Robinson and Jen Dewhirst.

John (pictured below with students) has been fundraising for the village of Chimombo for many years and has played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable children to have a safe place to live, recieve food, medical care and education via the development of a number of homes and a medical centre, as well as the renovation of a nursery and classroom blocks in the village of Chimombo. John has also supported individual student development via the student sponsorship programme.

The group is now working together to raise funds via this page, as well as various fundraising events over the coming months (more info to follow). The group will also be travelling to Malawi in June 2025 (self-funded) to support completion of the school library, learn more about the community and build connections for future support.

How you can help

Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated.

If you are able, please support our fundraising via donation to this page and / or purchase of tickets to our upcoming fundraising events (further details to follow).

We are also looking for donations of childrens clothing, football kits and footballs (that can be deflated for travel). If you would like to donate any of these items, please reach out to anyone of the group to arrange donation.

Please spread the word and feel free to share our fundraising via your social media or other networks.

Thank you form all of us for any help you may offer.

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