Assessment
Accessibility
Chikwawa Village is in the South Eastern part of Malawi in Africa. It is one country in from the Eastern coast. The country is the 6th poorest in the world according to the CIA database.
Roads were rutted but they were able to travel there from their town which was a few hours away. The orphanage is in a community of about 2,000 people that is one of a few small villages in the area.
In early April 2019 Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwae. Luckily, Nova Gaia Orphanage is located on high ground. It is difficult to get resources to the House of Hope.
Education
The children go to distant government schools for primary and secondary school education. There are about 130 of the total children aged appropriate for secondary school.
They only have a few exercise books as the school cannot afford text books for each student.
Food, Agriculture,
Livestock
Due to the recent floods 90% of the crops were wiped out. Our orphanage needs to buy more food for storage this year. Transporting food to the village itself is quite a challenge.
The orphanage maintains livestock such as guinea fowl and chickens. There are several goats a rabbit pen. A storeroom keeps purchased grain.
Regular meals consist of rice, beans and a starchy root vegetable similar to potatoes called cassava. Along with doughy bread called fu fu.
Spirituality
Apostles Church was founded at the orphanage. It recognizes all denominations as a Christian church.
They have morning devotions and instill faith in the children. A church hall is made out of reeds as their meeting space.
They have a bishop and several pastors.
Shelter
There are three major structures there, one for housing boys, one for housing girls, and a church structure. The shelters were only meant to house about 300 children so they are very crowded and most children are sleeping on the floor.
The sanitation conditions are ok. Our leaders hope to improve the structures and get beds (mats), a better kitchen, toilet and bathroom infrastructure.
Better structures would automatically improve the state of hygiene.
Electricity, Water
There are three major structures there, one for housing boys, one for housing girls, and a church structure. The shelters were only meant to house about 300 children so they are very crowded and most children are sleeping on the floor.
The sanitation conditions are ok. Our leaders hope to improve the structures and get beds (mats), a better kitchen, toilet and bathroom infrastructure.
Better structures would automatically improve the state of hygiene.