Empowering Nsanje's Vulnerable Groups: "Do Charity Work Together" Makes a Difference through Community-Led Efforts
In the beautiful and diverse country of Malawi, a unique organization is bringing together some of the most vulnerable members of the community to solve the problems facing their society.
Malawi: In the beautiful and diverse country of Malawi, a unique organization is bringing together some of the most vulnerable members of the community to solve the problems facing their society, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
This organization made up of people with disabilities, the elderly, and people with albinism, is a powerful force for change.
Despite facing numerous challenges and discrimination, these individuals have come together to form a strong and united community. Through their resilience and determination, they are tackling the issues that affect them and their neighbours, such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and social exclusion.
The organization is a beacon of hope, not only for its members but for the entire community.
By working together and supporting one another, they are breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Do Charity Work Together is a community-led organization operating in the area of Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje, which was established in 2019.
According to the chair of the organization, Lytone Sekabe, the group was formed because these individuals were often marginalized and excluded from their communities by authorities.
Sekabe explained that the members agreed to contribute small amounts of money to support themselves and carry out charitable work, which led to the organization's name: "Do Charity Work Together."
With these resources, the organization has been able to provide food, shelter, clothing, and medical care to elderly and disabled individuals in the Bangula, Kalenso, Jambo, Tambo, and Kadamera villages.
Despite its limited financial support, the organization has established a garden as an income-generating activity, which was started by member Simenti Blazio Msakambewa of Jambo village.
The garden grows crops such as okra, vegetables, and eggplants, and has raised about K100,000 (mainly from the sale of okra and vegetables).
Msakambewa said, "With the limited resources we have raised the organization has managed to continue to support the elderly and others."
However, the garden has faced challenges due to harsh weather and its location in a flood-prone area, with Msakambewa noting that "the garden is in a flood-prone area and has been flooded, hence making it impossible for them to continue to cultivate."
Group Village Headman Kalenso shared that he was approached by the group asking for land to farm on, but he did not initially believe that the elderly and people with disabilities could successfully farm and produce crops.
“But I’m impressed by their cooperation and success in growing crops, selling their produce, and supporting the elderly in their community,” he said.
Another member, Grace Genti from Nyang'a village, said the organization's future plan is to open a cash crop garden to grow the high-demand crop Chitowe, with the hope of raising more money from this venture than from previous crops.
Nsanje NGO Board Officer Aluzioh Patrick confirmed that Do Charity Work Together is a local non-registered organization operating in the area of Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje.
Patrick said, “The organization has the potential to support the vulnerable people in its catchment area and is working with the Home Vision Support Project in Nsanje.”
Both organizations have Facebook accounts to showcase their activities and attract donors.
Do Charity Work Together's efforts have inspired the community to follow their example and find solutions to the challenges they face.
Powerful efforts that needs to be emulated