By Linda Thomson-Clem | Executive Director
Greetings from snowy Boston,
The Chickolongo community doesn't have to contend with snow, but the rains fell and they are about to harvest their first maize crop. The community members working in their vegetable plots, are all smiles. They are delighted to be laboring in a secure environment - none of their crops have been damaged by elephants - and they will have fresh produce for their families' consumption as well as a source of income from the produce they take to market.
An MLF USA supporter was recently on site at the fish farm and he told me that the fish are not only growing, but multiplying.The first "catch" from the fish ponds will be ready in about 3-4 weeks. A group of community women are receiving our business and training education in preparation for their loan which willl allow them to set up their own small fish selling business.
In order to assess our, and the community's progress, Amani Consulting from Blantyre, Malawi has been on site developing a baseline for developing a social performance management report. They met, interviewed and surveyed many community members so that in future reports we can share with you the community's progress out of poverty.
A little closer to home, Hannah Gallen and Daniel Kim - both high school students who visited the Chickolongo Community last summer - came to Boston and made a wonderful presentation at our annual, "A Taste of Africa" gala. Our guests were were in awe as Hannah and Daniel told of their experience, and how it had impacted their life. One guest told me that he was, "truly inspired" after listening to them.
Can I inspire you to take that trip of a lifetime and come to Malawi with me? We're planning a trip for this September, so let me know if you are interested. I'm always looking for ways to share our stories about the wonderful entrepreneurial women of Malawi, so contact me any time if you have suggestions or would like more information. Please, tell me what you would like to hear about in future reports.
Regards,
Linda
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