Population: 19,4 million
Member union: BACOMA (Baptist Convention of Malawi)
Projects in these areas of work:
Children at risk
Church development
Capacity building
Relief work
Health care
Malawi: At the side of Madalitso and Chikondi
Since 1998, the Lydia Action project founded by Rachel Fiedler has been supporting vulnerable women, children and elderly people in particular. Women receive support in securing a stable income. The elderly and sick receive pastoral and medical care. The Lydia Action team supports girls and boys in their education. Madalitso and Chikondi are two of them.
Jesus' Light for Children in Malawi
Madalitso (name changed) remembers well the worried face of his mother: she worked hard to provide for him and his four siblings. But often it was not enough. ‘Some nights we went to bed hungry,’ says the 15-year-old. In rural Malawi, this is everyday life: poverty, deprivation and the feeling of being left behind by life. It was particularly bad at school: when Madalitso was there at all, he lacked everything: pens, notebooks, a proper uniform.
The ‘Lydia Action’ project, supported by EBM INTERNATIONAL and the Baptist churches in Malawi, helps children like Madalitso and their families by providing medical care, practical assistance and, above all, education.
Madalitso received school supplies and was supported by a mentor. He was given notebooks, pens and a set for maths lessons. That's what he liked best. ‘He transformed from a student with little presence to the best in the class, infecting others with his enthusiasm and leading study groups,’ says his teacher.
Special support for girls
Chikondi (name changed) also benefited from this help. When she was given books, she felt seen for the first time. Girls like her receive further support: health education on menstruation and reusable hygiene products. This means that their period is no longer a reason not to go to school. ‘I used to think I would never get beyond primary school,’ says the 12-year-old. ‘Now I want to be a teacher and help children like me!’
Madalitso and Chikondi are among the best in their schools. The education they have now received will change Malawi's future for the better.
Bringing Jesus' light into the lives of children together
Christmas reminds us that Jesus came into our world as a light – a light that came into poverty, insecurity and hopelessness. God's light continues to shine where people stand by one another. Just as Madalitso and Chikondi are supported by Lydia Action in Malawi, many other girls and boys are also learning that God and people are there for them:
In partnership with churches worldwide, we are involved in around 50 projects to ensure that children receive love, care and security. All initiatives are firmly embedded in a local church and invite children to faith through children's hours and church services, for example in these countries:
· In India, children find security, schooling and loving care in homes.
· In Latin America, social centres open their doors to families living on the margins of society, providing meals, learning support and pastoral care.
· In Africa, as with Lydia Action in Malawi, girls and boys are empowered to shape their own lives and find ways out of poverty.
These projects are examples of the Gospel in action, bringing Jesus' light into the lives of children and young people.
