Malawi Millennium Project (MMP) additional initiatives
In addition to focusing on training future generations of teachers, nurses, scientists, technicians, and engineers, the Malawi Millenium Project has undertaken other initiatives. These have been aimed at the alleviation of poor day-to-day living conditions.
In times of food shortages or famine, the Project has made every effort to assist. For example, the Project raised £25,000 to help alleviate the famine of 2002.
Other initiatives include:
- the project supported the orphanage in Ntonda with a cheque for £1,000 to provide essential goods
- medical equipment, medicines, nurses' uniforms and donations of clothing to hospital patients have been supplied to a value of more than £300,000
- a large quantity of stationery was distributed to schools and orphanages
- a large collection of toys was shipped to orphanages and nurseries
- Yamikani Orphanage received aid in the form of starter packs of seed and fertiliser, food assistance, maize seed, fertiliser, and multivitamins
- the Open Arms Orphanage received support for its outreach programme
- several donations of £2,000 to deal with flooding from local cyclones
- £10,000 for the renovation of the Polytechnic guest house
- £10,000 for the disaster appeal in southern Malawi
Chikwawa District Hospital
During the famine of 2002, a variety of goods for Chikwawa District Hospital were provided, including:
- chlorine for cholera prevention
- blankets and mattresses
- enamel mugs
- hotplates
- milk powder
- cooking oil
- cooking pots
- aprons
- spoons
- mosquito nets
In 2004 Chikwawa District Hospital received further help with mosquito nets, HTH for cholera prevention, hurricane lamps, distillers, and benches for patients to use while awaiting treatment.
Some assistance was also given to upgrade accommodation and equipment to bring it up to the necessary standard to store and supply ARV (ante retroviral) drugs.
MMP response to COVID-19
In 2020, the world responded to another humanitarian crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chira Trust, received £2500 from MMP to buy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other necessities, such as alcohol gel. It was agreed that this could provide genuine practical aid at a key point in care. It would also help prevent the further spread of this terrible disease.
As with any support request, we wanted to ensure that what we are supporting fits with local priorities, and immediate needs and is part of a coordinated effort.
At the same time, the Scotland-Malawi Partnership launched an appeal for oxygen to be used in hospitals. The MMP immediately donated £1000.
LUV+ was also in dire need of help to deal with COVID-19. £2000 was donated.