Tag: africa

Donations, Education, Malawi

Donation of Early Reader Books to the Library

Phunzira

We’re thrilled to announce the donation of over 30 early-reader books to the Nyumba ya Masambiro library, thanks to the efforts of our current volunteers Jeremy and Norma!

From very first A,B,C and early word books to more complex books for children in the first years of primary school, these books will help to spark curiosity, support foundational English and literacy skills, and help young children fall in love with reading from the very beginning.

Early reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give a child. It’s about more than just learning to read—it’s about growing confidence, expanding vocabulary, supporting cognitive development, and laying the groundwork for success in school and beyond. Children who have access to engaging, age-appropriate books are far more likely to thrive both academically and socially. Children from the community frequently ask to come and read with volunteers in order to improve their understanding and English language skills. It is wonderful to have a new supply of books, which children can read both independently and with any volunteers at NYM. 

The books donated by Jeremy and Norma will make a big difference for the young learners who visit the library each day. A huge thank you to them for taking the time and energy to collect all these incredible books and for bringing them out to Malawi, and to everyone who continues to support this journey. Together, we are creating a space where reading is celebrated and learning never stops.

Community, Donations, Education, Healthcare, Malawi

Menstrual Health and Hygiene Program

Phunzira

Phunzira is excited to announce a new collaboration with Supreme Sanitary Pads, a social enterprise based in Nkhata Bay that produces reusable menstrual pads locally. Through this partnership, we have provided a menstrual health and hygiene education program as well as the distribution of reusable sanitary pad packs to schoolchildren within the Nyumba Ya Masambiro catchment area. 

Of the 10 Primary schools within NYM’s catchment area, 6 have been selected to run the first education and distribution program. Two trainers from Supreme Sanitary Pads have come to Ruarwe to run the menstrual health and hygiene education program at the 6 selected schools, as well as training local ambassadors, who can continue to provide the education in the future. The program is taught to both boys and girls, with some sessions separate and some together as is appropriate and considerate of social customs, whilst also working to break down stigmas. Each attendee then received a pack which includes: 1 lined tote bag, which can be used as a school bag, 5 reusable sanitary pads, 2 pens, 2 pencils and 1 exercise book, 1 eraser and 1 pencil sharpener. The boys included in the program can pass on the sanitary pads to sisters/mothers or friends who can use them. On this occasion the funding allows the program to reach 600 students within the area. 

Each pack includes enough pads to manage a monthly period and the pads last up to two years and come with educational guidance on menstrual hygiene and safe usage. These pads not only ensure dignity and comfort but also significantly reduce the risk of school absenteeism during menstruation. And because they are washable and long-lasting, they’re a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution compared to disposable alternatives or chitenge rags commonly used in these rural areas, which are very prone to leaks. 

Supreme operates as a true social enterprise—every purchase supports local employment and reinvests profits back into the business and educational outreach efforts.  We’re proud to work alongside them to address menstrual health challenges, break stigma, and help girls stay in school.

This launch marks a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to make education more inclusive. We look forward to raising further funds in the future to allow us to expand the program to the remaining primary and two secondary schools in the area.

Community, Donations, Healthcare, Malawi

Malaria medications donation to Ruarwe and Khondowe Health Centres

Phunzira

This malaria season has seen a very sharp rise in malaria cases as a result of various factors including the change in climate. This is a nationwide crisis, which has unfortunately coincided with a Forex and a fuel shortage, hampering the purchase and distribution of the malaria treatment Lumefantrine and Arthemeter (LA). Phunzira has been able to make a donation of LA to both Ruarwe and Khondowe clinics, to hopefully see out the rest of the malaria season.

This donation of medications coincides with a nationwide government initiative to distribute mosquito nets to all households, which started in the Ruarwe area at the beginning of November. Alongside the education provided by the clinic staff at the start of every clinic day we hope to see a drop in malaria rates and no fatalities. We are grateful to be able to help the wider community at a time of need such as this, and will continue to focus on education for the whole community about the importance of using mosquito nets correctly and prevention methods community members can take to reduce their risk of infection.