In Malawi, a country where an estimated 2.4 per cent of youths are living with a disability, Caritas Australia is working alongside local communities to improve their outcomes.
Tawonga is a 10-year-old girl pursuing her dreams with her community’s support. She was born with one weaker leg and walks with the aid of crutches. For most of her life, she has faced discrimination and disadvantage because of her disability.
In 2016, Tawonga’s parents heard about the A+ programme, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, CADECOM (Catholic Development Commission in Malawi). They learnt irrigation farming and were given fertiliser and high-yield seeds, which almost tripled crop production.
Additionally, the community learnt how to better support people living with disabilities. The reduction of stigma and discrimination created a new culture of acceptance and collaboration.
Tawonga’s community banded together to develop a seed bank and dug boreholes to enable access to safe water at shorter distances. This led to a reduction in waterborne diseases.
Tawonga’s parents are now able to harvest twice a year and their meals have increased to three per day. Her mother joined the village savings and loans group to start a small business, selling fish, rice and vegetables. They now send Tawonga to a school with a live-in campus and disability-friendly facilities and this has enhanced her educational experience.
Anita Mahata, CADECOM’s Project Director, said Tawonga “is a very positive person and very enthusiastic”.
“She is now able to interact with her friends and is now going to school daily,” Ms Mahata added.
Tawonga is working hard and dreams of becoming a nurse when she grows up and helping people in her community.
“It gives me hope that I will finish my education,” Tawonga expressed.
“My community now understands that my living with a disability is not inability. Although I sometimes face discrimination, most of the community has realised my value as a person.
“I would like to thank the people of Australia for their support they provide to my community. Your support has brought a positive change in my family and community.”
With your help, this transformational programme can continue to empower vulnerable women, men and children, and strengthen the communities around them. Please donate generously today. A brighter future for women, men and their families can start today.
To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or call 1800 024 413.
VIDEO EMBED: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KANIoqXQQ0