NI Scouts support Habitat for Humanity’s project in Malawi

Members of the NI Scout Network raised funds for Habitat for Humanity Ireland, to support one of the charity’s projects in Malawi.

The network had raised £16,500 as part of a planned volunteer trip, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team were unable to travel to Malawi.

The funds raised have now been used to support Habitat’s project which is building homes and latrines for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Lilongwe district of Malawi. Families were previously been forced to live in shacks built with mud bricks, grass thatched roofs and dirty mud floors which attracted insects and exposed them to disease.

David Scott, Scouts NI Programme Chair said “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this team of NI Scout Network members were determined to send the funds to help enable Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s mission.”

“We couldn’t travel to Malawi ourselves, but we have helped these families to have dignity and to live in safe and healthy homes now and in the future”.

The 17 young adults who took part in the fundraising received donations from local Scout Groups, Districts and Counties as well as from churches, schools and individuals. They also worked hard running events such as a quiz night, a raffle, bag packing, a cinema night as well as catering for local Scout events.

Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat Ireland said, “We are grateful for the long-term partnership with the Scouts Network in Northern Ireland which has helped to change the lives of vulnerable people in Malawi where 60% of people survive on less than $1.90 per today and the housing need is acute.”

“Simple homes save lives. Families are healthier, children do better in school and parents have a chance to earn a stable income. Every day, Habitat for Humanity works beside families to build, renovate or repair their home in more than 70 countries around the world.”