We are currently on the 18th hour of flight since leaving Lilongwe, which has given ample time to deliberate over the last 3 weeks. We have gotten to know each other very well, and developed a strong team. As Tom has said “Great trip, great team, great teamwork accomplished”.

We made a physical imprint on a small community in a small, struggling country. Chatting with people in the airports on layovers and fellow captives on our flight regarding our trip has helped me realize the magnitude of what we did, and the impact we made. Clearly we did not solve any of Malawi’s numerous challenges ahead (such as HIV/Aids, malnutrition of the population, lack of cash crop for export, poor farming soil for satisfying the needs of the current population, the drying up of Lake Chilewa, as well as sanitation and health issues); however, our actions have moved the country forward by way of their education program for one small community.

This was not the first year Rotary has come to Mbidi School on a sweat equity trip. Over the years, there has definitely been a noticeable improvement in Malawi with the construction of new buildings.

Donations raised have gone towards materials for building and payment for local employees to build the two classrooms, a teachers work area, and library. We also put in skylights to brighten the classrooms and provided mats for the children to sit on while in class. There will be 12 more chairs at the school shortly, fruit trees planted, and the school will soon be on the World Food Program, which will provide a meal a day to the students. All of these acts improved the standard of the school and hopefully the attendance of the children. The library will improve knowledge, and expand the horizons of the children—“a meaningful contribution” as Brian Westlake put it.

For the ladies of Kachere, we provided 24 orphan children with school uniforms, toys, crayons and scribblers, knitting and tailoring training, hats and fabric for sewing clothing. This should increase the income for Kachere—the most giving individuals I have ever met.

We came down and saw how these people live day-by-day, learning about these challenges the country faces. I believe what my part in the future is will be to pass on the information that I have learned and encourage others to participate in trips like this. “Our work here is not done, there is certainly more to do, and the country needs our help, whether it be financial or otherwise” (Brian Edwards).

Going on this trip has given us all a greater appreciation of our lives in Canada. I can speak for the group, as well, when I say we have a huge appreciation for the work Chris Snyder and Emmanuel International do to organize this trip, looking after us and making it interesting. This trip could not have happened without them.

Malawi Sweat Equity 2013 Blog, over and out.

Comments are closed.