Sarah’s blog 16/06/26
This year, The Day of the African Child, is highlighting the need for clean water, sanitation and hygiene for all children.
Unfortunately, there are many children who are having to go to the bushes to relieve themselves. This puts, especially girls, at risk of being attacked and isn’t good for their self-confidence or self-esteem.
There are too many who do not have clean drinking water and soap and water for handwashing. Too many do not have soap for washing themselves and their clothes because they cannot afford a bar of soap.
Too many girls miss a week of school each month because they do not have reusable sanitary pads. They miss out on education just because they are female and because of a natural bodily function. it’s even more important that they have the soap they need to clean themselves and wash their pads and clothes.
I don’t think any of us can ever comprehend being so poor we cannot afford to buy a bar of soap. It’s especially important when there are outbreaks of disease like cholera and to protect children from diseases that can kill them or make them extremely ill.
With the help of our supporters, there are latrines, showers, clean drinking water and soap available at Bright Futures Campus. There is now clean water for drinking and handwashing at Chambo Primary School and a girls’ latrine block.
Students at Bright Futures Secondary School have been making reusable sanitary pads for all who need them.
We are grateful for the donations to our fundraiser. We were able to buy many bars of soap. We took some to Chambo Primary School for handwashing and also took some to the new mothers at Chambo Health Centre.
We will be keeping our fundraiser open so that we can continue supporting the most vulnerable children with soap and notebooks. We’d love it if you could make a small donation please. https://gofund.me/08d75b415
Also, the headteacher at Chambo Primary has asked if we could appeal for sponsors to support these vulnerable children. It will mean they will be given a food parcel and soap each month which will help ensure they are better fed. They will also continue to have access to the weekly feeding programme and be given clothes and shoes when available. It’s still only £25 per month to sponsor a young person and give them a brighter future. Could you help us help them please? contact_us@changinglivesmalawi.com
And yet despite all the challenges these children face, you can see from the photos and videos how amazing they all are. They deserve our help and support. They just need a hand up. So on The Day of The African Child, will you lend your hand to one of these children? Thank you again, Sarah x
