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Growing Voices has partnered with local Malawian activist, Zion Kennedy Phillips and his newly established grass roots organization called "HOPE"; together we will expand our non-GMO, pesticide-free community gardens throughout the Nkhata Bay area in Malawi. GV's first large-scale sustainable garden will be planted on two acres of land allocated to this project by Chief Kamoza of Chihame Village. Profits from the gardens' produce will be used to purchase educational materials for the teachers and students at both the Chihame Primary and Nursery schools. From germination to market, the garden is entirely community driven and locally farmed, with all garden equipment and supplies procured from vendors in and around the community. These gardens are providing a sustainable business model for the school community of Nkhata Bay, Malawi.
In time and with the support of Chief Kamoza, Zion and GV plan to further expand these gardens by planting in Kakumbi and Downtown Nkhata Bay.
Profits from selling vegetables in local markets go towards school supplies, textbooks, school maintenance and teacher stipends.
The school gardens hire resident farmers and provide them with long-term job security by offering full harvest contracts. The farmers are paid a percentage of the overall profits.
Most children in Malawi do not have the means to attend secondary school. The gardens provide students with the opportunity to learn useful agricultural techniques, as well as entrepreneurial skills, which will serve them well in their future pursuits.
A number of food staples in Malawian cuisine are made with soy. For this reason we have dedicated a portion of the gardens to soybean cultivation. Soybeans grown in the garden will be used in the preparation of nutritious morning meals for the children at Chihame Nursery, which help to ameliorate food insecurity and malnutrition.
All natural fertilizers are purchased exclusively from farmers in the Nkhata Bay area. Garden equipment and seeds are bought in Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu, a small town just one hour West of Nkhata Bay.
The gardens employ local farmers and are managed by Malawian entrepreneur and activist, Zion Kennedy Phillips. With support from GV, Zion is helping build sustainable change that will empower his community.
Growing Voices aims to connect donors directly to local change by providing a transparent and responsible exchange. GV oversees every dollar gifted to the Nkhata Bay garden project and ensures that all donated funds are allocated responsibly and carefully accounted for. Our donors are able to witness their contribution to change by viewing GV's video updates and photos either on www.growingvoices.org or through our newsletter.
Currently GV is seeking support in purchasing seeds, manure and other garden equipment. Please help us grow and maintain our gardens!
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JANUARY 7, 2011
Nkhata Bay, Malawi
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