by admin | Jan 11, 2023 | sponsorship for women
People often say, “I hate change.” Thing is, they really don’t mean that. There are lots of changes we like. Maybe you are old enough to remember when you had to crank open the windows in your car. Before computers, if your family lived far away you could only write them a letter that took days to get to them. Most of us are glad we don’t have to cook outside over an open fire anymore. We actually like change. It’s the adjusting to change that is sometimes difficult for us. We get comfortable. Sometimes we struggle to understand how change can be good for us.
Change is a big part of our story as human beings. The Bible talks a lot about change too. God calls all of us to change. We are called to continually be learning, growing, moving forward, changing. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
We are excited about 2023 because we believe God is calling us to big changes. The easiest thing to do would be sit right where we are. Some of these changes are uncomfortable, they are going to cause us to adapt, think differently and to really stretch. The good news is that God knows this. Even better news He has promised to be with us as we follow Him.
What are some of the changes we are praying about? Glad you asked.
- We are praying for at least 100 more sponsors for women and girls. God has done incredible things with this program, so many women helped, so many girls rescued from child marriages now back in school. Every day there are more pleading for help.
- What God has done in Nkhotakota has become known. Many are asking us to come into their villages as well. We cannot respond to all, but feel God is calling us to expand into two specific communities we are targeting.
- The Vocational Training Center has also had a dramatic impact on lives. We were able to acquire more land in 2022 so that expansion can continue. We plan to add welding, hospitality, and salon care to the skills training we are providing.
- The Chiefs Community Center is also growing. We are expanding training gardens, goat raising, and plan to build a structure for community meetings and worship.
- Home Safe House for girls is already at capacity. To help more girls we will need to add more beds, gardens and other support resources.
We have much to do in 2023. From our view in January, it seems an impossible task. Then again, how could someone cross the Red Sea? How could the walls of Jericho fall? How could God have taken us this far?
Since God is calling us, we will respond. Change is coming. God is on the move. He is reaching out to those who need to know His love. The only question is will we answer His call and be the ones to go with Him. As for Y-Malawi, we feel like our answer is the same as what Joshua told Israel. “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
We are grateful for all those who are making this journey with us.
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by admin | Mar 12, 2021 | sponsorship for women
She is worth more than rubies, that’s how King Solomon described a noble woman (Proverbs 31:10). As the world celebrates women this month, we want to especially celebrate the women of Malawi. In particular, the women of Malawi who live in the village.
We are so proud of the women of Malawi. They face so many challenges in life.
- Cultural stigmas, in some areas 30% of women believe they are inferior, and it is acceptable for them to be abused.
- Early marriages, 46% married before age 18, 9% before age 15.
- Lack of education, 30% of women cannot read.
- Poor sexual and reproductive health resources, resulting in heighten vulnerability in childbirth, sexually transmitted disease, and associated deaths and disabilities.
Yet, the women of Malawi are strong. They are courageous, determined and beautiful. They are making great strides of progress in all of the areas above. Thanks in part to Y-Malawi programs designed to empower women, the pace of progress is picking up.
- Women are starting new businesses.
- Girls staying in school, graduating high school, even attending universities.
- Early marriages prohibited and or disrupted.
- Adult literacy classes are heavily attended by women.
- Women are forming groups to help, encourage and support each other.
- Older women forming Mother Groups to educate, encourage and support younger girls.
She is indeed worth more than rubies. We honor this month the women of Malawi. We thank God for them and for what He is doing to bring hope. Solomon ends his tribute to a noble woman with these words, “Honor her for all that she hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
We simply say Amen.
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by admin | Mar 12, 2021 | sponsorship for women
We say the words all the time, “Education is the key to a better future.” Yet, the data and reality are shocking. Education is not easy to come by for most people in the world. This is especially true of those living in developing nations like Malawi. For millions of women, education is only a distant dream.
There have been improvements in recent years, but there is a long way to go.
- Only 35% of Malawi’s school age children complete primary school
- Only 8% of students complete secondary school
- The average teacher has 130 students in class
Girls are impacted disproportionately for a many reasons.
- Girls are needed to do work at home
- Schools can be long distances and travel unsafe
- Families cannot afford the required fees
- Early marriages often end school opportunities
It doesn’t have to be this way. Y-Malawi’s program to empower women and girls is giving girls the chance to get an education, to change their destiny. Through the generosity of sponsors, Y-Malawi is helping nearly 100 girls get an education. 77 girls are in primary school, 16 are in secondary school and 2 are attending universities!
Studies also show that when girls get an education it creates sustainable change.
- Fewer early marriages
- Reduced deaths during childbirth
- Higher income levels
- Even greater crop yields
Education is indeed the key to a better future, but not everyone has access to that key. Want to help? It doesn’t take much to sponsor a girl in school, just about a $1 per day and there are girls waiting. Helping is easy, just let us know if you are interested by contacting us at sponsorships@y-malawi.org or call 909.541.7660. We will find someone just for you. You will be making a difference that will last for generations.
