The inspirational Open Arms Orphanage was an early beneficiary of the Malawi Millenium Project (MMP). Its aim remains to educate orphans to a very high standard, and if possible, to attempt to rehabilitate them, returning them to their community or into kinship, with extended family.
However, the financial burden of rehoming an orphan frequently was too high to bear. To alleviate the privations of the families who agreed to raise the orphans, Open Arms Orphanage started the wonderful initiative of the Seed Starter Pack Project. Families were given, seeds, fertiliser, and tools, that would allow them to grow maize, to feed them. In effect, the orphans were paying their way, in kind.
The money helped give vulnerable babies a second chance at life, and healthy children a future at home with their families. The support from the MMP over the years has given communities sustainable support by creating access to early education, helping vulnerable families affected by flooding, and providing agricultural packs to protect health and nutrition.
The MMP donated up to £6,500 annually until 2021 when, owing to COVID-19, fundraising stopped. We were unable to continue to support this very worthwhile project.