DWS Associate Programs
Malawi
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Electrical workshop in Malawi. |
Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries, with a predominantly agricultural economy and 90 per cent of the population living in rural areas. The country faces strong challenges to improve health and education facilities and to deal with the problems of HIV/AIDS, food security and environmental degradation.
The LWF/DWS Malawi Program, called Evangelical Lutheran Development Program (ELDP), was established in 1989 in response to a request from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM) and the Government of Malawi with the aim to provide assistance to Mozambican refugees then in Malawi. To aid local communities, the Rural Community Motivation and Development Project was established with a focus on food security, functional adult literacy, reforestation and safe and clean water. The program has evolved into an integrated community approach.
Integrated Community Development
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Agricultural project in a
village near Malirana. |
The Integrated Community Development Project emphasizes HIV/AIDS education, prevention and control, and rights based development approaches, aimed at empowerment for sustainable communities. HIV/AIDS awareness uses drama, songs, poems, community counseling and anti-AIDS clubs, while action-oriented education includes human rights advocacy and gender. A food security focus utilizes crop diversification, improved seed and agricultural input varieties, micro irrigation systems and organic fertilizers. Other project activities include bee-keeping, water and sanitation and environmental protection.
New Projects 2004-2006
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The ELCM-drama group presents HIV/AIDS and human rights issues in
Kabwazi village. |
The project period 2004 to 2006 will focus on: improving household food security; increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and voluntary testing, treatment and care; and human rights and gender.
Capacity Building for Program Transition
Transition of the DWS program to a local development structure linked to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi is planned for 2006. Capacity building focuses on training and development of key staff and board members, and implementation of continuing projects.
Since Malawi suffers from regular floods and periodic drought, needs arising from these natural disasters are addressed in cooperation with local churches in the affected areas with funds and material aid from DWS partners and other ACT (Action by Churches Together) members.
For more information please contact:
Program Officer Mr Duane Poppe .
Local representative
Ms Judith Jere, Director
