Visiting with Allan & Lucy from SPRODETA

We also popped into Kacheche Secondary school to hand in some jotters.  The school was very quiet because all of the student were sitting the end of term exams.  We were impressed by the school library which was created by the local community.  Now it houses school books issued by the government, however the school is keen to receive any books to extend the reading material for students.

 

 

 

I never tire of seeing the landscape here in Malawi; beautiful banana plants, maize plants, slash and burn, goats roaming, tall trees and the dusty red soil.  Very soon the landscape here will change due to the rains flooding the area thus making the road impassable.  Let’s hope the tobacco plants survive!

 

 
 

SPRODETA has trained people in agriculture and breeding of goats.  We visited a lady who was given 2 goats from SPRODETA in the hope kids will be born and they can be sold to give her a source of income to help her children.

 

 


We went to see the tobacco plants and banana trees.  The workers always have a smile and a greeting for us.  Everything here is labour intensive, compared to back home.  Just now the workers tending the tobacco plants have to walk to the well, carrying 2 tin water cans and go down several metres to collect water.  Back and forward we watch them go about their task in the blazing hot sun.
 

 


There is also a new project being developed – Fish Farming.  Currently the men are preparing the ground for the fish reservoir.  There’s a lot of digging, transporting soil and lifting bricks.  It will take many, many months to prepare; work will cease during the rainy season.
 

I was interested when I saw women down at one of the wells.  The water here is a muddy colour; not clear.  We were told they will use the water for washing clothes and dishes and for cooking.  In a few cases this water may also be used for drinking.  The images of the Water Aid adverts immediately came to mind.  We see these things on T.V. but to witness in reality cuts you right through to the core.  Once again, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have clear running water which we just take for granted.