The Mbewa Self-Help Project is a set of activities run by the residents of Mbewa village, which sits by the Likhabula River at the foot of Mulanje Mountain.
Malawi is one of the world's poorest countries. Life expectancy is just 39 years and under-5 mortality is 140 per 1000 live births (over 20 times the rate in the UK). This project in Mbewa village, population about 3,000, is helping to improve people lives.
The youtube film below of Mike's 2009 visit tells you more.
There has also been coverage in the Warrington Guardian (Click image for a large version):
Click on the links at the side to make a loan to the maize mill project (note: the irrigation project is fully funded for the present growing cycle).
The projects are overseen by committees elected by village members and backed by the Chief. The first projects began as a result of the friendship of one of the porters and guides resident in the village, Francis Atiya, with Mike Brady who taught at Mulanje Secondary School from 1992 to 1994, and was then the Maintenance Supervisor for Ministry of Health in neighbouring Thyolo District from 1994 to 1996.
Francis and Mike together organised the first Mulanje Mountain Porters' Race in July 1996. This was an opportunity for the porters and guides and members of the Mountain Club of Malawi (which sponsored the event) and others to share their love of the Mountain, completing the 25 km course, followed by a party for the porters and guides as a thank you for their service over the year.
The event was taken up by others after Mike left and is now an annual event involving around 300 runners, both local and international.
Francis and Mike kept in contact, more recently by email, and were reunited for the first time in 13 years in June 2009.
This site shows some of the projects that are underway. It is intended for friends and family of Mike who have contributed financially. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Mike or make a pledge using the shopping cart buttons.
You can also buy a CD with some songs from the village choir shown in the clip for £ 10.00 including UK postage and packing. All profits go to the choir to pay for transport to events and for musical instruments.
A project supported by Mike Brady with contributions from friends and family.
