Malawi

The people of Malawi pride themselves on their friendliness — so much so that Malawi is called the “warm heart of Africa.”

Malawians typically live with their extended families in huts that are clustered together. A spirit of cooperation prevails as family members share both work and resources.

Rural Malawians do not celebrate birthdays as people do in many other countries. Most babies are delivered at home and individuals often do not have official birth certificates. Parents associate the birth of a child with a particular season or important event, although many do not know the specific date.

Malawian families are often large because they are highly valued. A large family means more hands to help on the farm and assures that parents will be cared for as they age.

Life is difficult for many Malawian families. Sixty-five percent of the population lives in poverty. Many people lack access to safe water. More than a quarter of all Malawians are illiterate.

Since 1994, primary education in Malawi has been free. School enrollment is increasing, but academic performance is declining. Your sponsorship is working to improve education so children can look forward to a better future.

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeast Africa. Twenty percent of its area is covered by Lake Malawi, the continent’s third largest lake. It is a very poor nation, but one of great scenic beauty.

Most of the land consists of plateaus of different altitudes, resulting in a variety of climates. In the higher elevations, Malawi is pleasantly cooler than many other African countries, but the climate of the lowlands is hot, humid, and tropical.

Malawi is a densely populated nation of 12.6 million people. Ninety percent live in small villages in rural areas, making their living from agriculture. Although the soil is rich, only one-third of the land is suitable for farming because of mountains, forests, and rough pastures. The staple diet is white maize eaten with vegetables and, on occasion, fish or meat.

Traditional rural homes are round, mud-walled, thatched huts. These are gradually being replaced by brick houses with tin roofs.

Antelopes, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants are found in unpopulated areas of Malawi. Game reserves were established to protect those animals whose numbers were in decline because their feeding areas were converted into farmland.

• Pray that churches and families will respond to God's calling to care for orphans and widows in their distress, especially those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Pray that your sponsored child might learn more about God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.