Providing basic literacy and livelihood
development opportunities for rural women in Chitipi,
Lilongwe (Malawi) project was implemented by the Young
Advocates for the Advancement of ICT-related Development
(Y.A.A.ICT-D) with the aim of availing basic literacy
opportunities and livelihood opportunities for women in
Chitipi and its surrounding areas. Chitipi is located about
12km out of Lilongwe CBD on the road to Mchinji district.
Y.A.A.ICT-D approached the Friends of Malawi (FOM), a charity
comprising serving and return Peace Corps volunteers that
have served or are serving in Malawi, to help with the
construction of a shelter for the Adult Literacy Program. The
request was granted and a sum of USD 647 was awarded for the
work in July 2007. With the help of the community a classroom
was constructed.
Later in 2008, Y.A.A.ICT-D approached the International
Development and Relief (IDRF) of Canada to support the
introduction of entrepreneurship lessons as well operating
costs of the center. A total of CAD 11, 400 was granted by
IDRF in December 2008. Through this support most of the
materials needs of the center were alleviated and attendance
also improved. A total of 46 women enrolled for the basic
literacy program in January 2009.
Further support for the project has also come from Bunda
College of Agriculture through the NEPAD SanBio Mushroom
project. Through our partnership with the Department of
Horticulture at Bunda College Chitipi Women were supported
with the construction of a Mushroom Fruiting House and also
Training on how to grow mushroom for business. The new
initiative is building upon the previous lessons on
entrepreneurship that the women learnt. Meantime, the women
have started harvesting and selling the mushroom.
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