AFRICA - Malawi
Good gifts that keep on giving
A few years ago, Malawi was hit hard by drought. The village of Chakwela used to be one of the poorest in the region. At least half of its families were facing severe hunger. But now community members are passing along gifts of animals and seeds to others in need. How did this happen?
It started with a few “good gifts.”
Several years ago, the village of Chakwela received a gift of 12 goats from a neighboring community that benefited from a partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS). ELDS is the humanitarian service arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi, which is supported by your gifts to ELCA World Hunger.
The 12 goats changed lives in Chakwela. They provided families with food, fertilizer, and funds—making it easier to escape the cycle of hunger and poverty. And as the goats multiplied, families passed the offspring along to help others.
Gladys (
pictured above) received her first goat as a gift. That goat has given birth, and Gladys knows the importance of giving back. She planned to give her new baby goat to her neighbor and good friend, Vernas. They were both so proud of the fact that Chakwela had reached the point where it could begin sharing seeds and animals with others in need.
“Life has really improved for us,” Vernas said. “Everyone has their own goats now.”
Join the cycle of giving. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger support people like Gladys and Vernas in breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty.