Stories of Impact
Permaculture
When the permaculture project began in 2021, we had no idea how successful it would become. Starting with a demonstration farm that showed villagers how they could grow nutritious food from the 5 Malawi food groups year-round has turned into an outreach project reaching 500 households (2500 people). During the hungry season of Dec-Feb and the dry season of Jul-Sep, through permaculture, parents are able to feed their entire family every day of the year.
- 7636 people are now food secure
- 500,000 trees planted
- 123 tree nurseries established
- 154 compost toilets constructed
In their words...
“Before I discovered permaculture design, I found myself in a state of idleness and lacked direction in my life. However, everything changed when I received training in permaculture. Inspired by this new found knowledge, I decided to create a beautiful home garden where I could cultivate various vegetables. Not only did this hobby bring me joy and fulfillment, but it also became a source of income.
As I began selling the vegetables, I grew, I started to generate profits that allowed me to invest in carpentry equipment. With these tools in hand, I embarked on a new venture and opened my very own carpentry shop. This decision turned out to be incredibly fruitful, as I started making money and fulfilling my family’s daily needs.
The combination of permaculture and carpentry has not only provided me with financial stability but has also instilled a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to utilize my skills and passions to support my family while contributing positively to my community.”
- Yosefati Mazengera-Chandiwo Village, T/A Chakhaza, Madisi
Solar Lights
- 2409 participants
- 133,944,213 Kwacha (approximately $77,000) in loan circulation amongst the groups
- NOTE: No outside funding was utilized for the loan program – that was raised soley by the participants
- Outside funding was utilized to train and equip leaders for this project as well as train trainers and the participants
In their words...
I am pleased to express my appreciation for Opulence in Madison for their efforts in promoting financial literacy and accessibility. Mr. Patrick Lodzeni, a resident of Mlangali, had been facing numerous financial challenges. Due to his condition, he found it difficult to obtain loans from anyone, as they believed he would not be able to pay them back.
Furthermore, he often struggled to afford transportation to doctor appointments, which was a heartbreaking moment for him. However, after joining a Tigwirane Manja VSL group, Mr. Lodzeni was able to access financial assistance in the form of loans. This helped him to take care of his financial needs, including paying for his granddaughter’s medical bills after she was involved in a devastating fire accident that left her with severe burns.
Joining Opulence VSL was a turning point for me, and I am grateful to them for introducing this project.
- Mr. Lodzeni
Small Group Loans
3946 households in 20 villages received solar lights in – children are able to study at night and doing better in their classes and the community is safer at night due to the outdoor lighting.
In their words...
“I used to spend a lot of money for batteries for flashlights or have a lit fire in my home to light the room. Now I can use that money for other necessities as well as keep us safe from fire”.
- Blessings Phiri
