Can you LEND the Mbewa Self-Help Project some money to set up a maize mill?
Maize is the staple food in Malawi. In Mbewa and surrounding villages, people grow their own maize. This is ground into flour.
The Mbewa Self-Help Project has prioritised building a maize mill (see below for the reasons why). So far we have raised the money required for the building to house the mill and work on this began on 24 October. See update pictures below and on the Facebook group.
We are still seeking loans towards the cost of the milling equipment. Loans will be repaid about 18 months after milling commences, subject to the terms and conditions (see left).
The Project Committee (members are elected for two-year terms) found a suitable plot of land close to the electricity supply, and this was donated by the owner. They started to prepare this land in August 2009 (see photo right).
They prepared baked earth bricks themselves, cut the timber and provided the labour to construct the maize mill building under the supervision of a villager who is an experienced foreman. It was necessary to buy cement for the floor and walls, metal roofing sheets, the electrical connection and other fixtures. By the end of November the building was just about finished.
The loan for maize mill building was £1,000 - TARGET ACHIEVED
Wiring and connection to the three-phase supply will cost approximately £600.
The maize mill equipments costs approximately £3,300.
Transport and installation will be approximately £300.
Updates on progress are being posted here and to the Facebook group (see left)
UPDATE 11 August: A villager has decided to donate his stock of bricks to the project - so building can commence as soon as £800 is available.
UPDATE 16 August: The Project Committee has dug and built a pit latrine next to the site of the mill for use by the builders and then by staff and customers. This is pictured below - the iron roofing sheets are included in the budget for building work.
UPDATE 1 October: Warrington Guardian in the UK (Mike's local paper) reports on the project and appeal for funds. Click HOME for the cutting.
UPDATE 17 October: Picture received from the Project Committee showing the bricks being moved to the site.
UPDATE 22 October: Loan fund at £800 - enough for the building. The first installment has been transferred to the village committee. Villagers will now construct the building under the supervision of one of their number who is an experienced builder.
UPDATE 27 October: News just in: "We are glad to inform you that the foundations have started today. We bought 8 bags of cement on Saturday. The Committee members used their bicycles to transport the bags [10 miles]. The Committee is working very hard and there is cooperation among members in doing the work."
UPDATE 12 November: Pictures, receipts and report received on work so far. Below pictures of preparing the foundations and transporting bricks and completing the floor slab - all generations are involved.
Update 3 December: the November report from the Project Committee shows the progress with the walls and roof, giving the almost finished building. Exchange rate changes and price increases put the loan for the complete building phase of the project to £ 1,000.
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Fundraising continues for money for the loan for the maize mill equipment. The target is to purchase this direct from the manufacturer as early as possible in 2010. The Committee will transport this to Mbewa and the mill will become operational immediately.
The Committee will then start repaying the loans at £250 per month, subject to the terms and conditions on the site. With extra payments to cover exchange rate differences and bank transfer costs, all money should be repaid within 2 years.
Your loan can be repaid in 6-monthly installments or at the end of the period, or you may choose to leave the money in the project for future initiatives. You will receive regular reports on progress.
The maize mill has the potential to raise far more than the monthly repayments after running costs. Contributions will be paid into a high-interest bank account as a maintenance fund. Money will also be saved to provide a capital fund for other projects and grants for orphans and vulnerable people in the community.
Please provide as small or large amount as you wish. No interest is paid to lenders, in part because of the legal complications.
The Mbewa Self-Help Project in Malawi is legally registered under the name of Madalitso Community Based Organisation (Madalitso means 'blessings') at Mulanje District Social Welfare Office.
The UK partner will be registered as a charity when income makes this possible.
After adding this to the basket, you will have the opportunity to make a donation to cover transfer and exchange costs (not obligatory) - see the terms and conditions.
Background to this project
There is an electricity supply in Mbewa which means it is possible to have mills driven by electric motors. Most of the 3,000 people of the village, plus around 12,000 more from surrounding villages without electricity, are reliant on the existing commercial mill, or two in the neighbouring village, which are unable to cope with the demand. The mills run continuously and breakdowns create greater problems for villagers.
Milling is a profitable business. On average, 200kg needs to be milled for each person during the year at a standard cost of MK 1,000 (about £4.00). The total potential annual income from milling is, therefore, about £60,000.
Although this is a small amount of money per person, it is difficult for many smallholder farmers to raise, particularly the elderly and those caring for orphans, many who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS.
The Mbewa Self-Help Project has prioritised building a maize mill for their village as an income-generating scheme and to provide extra security when the other mills break down. Profits will be used to invest in other developments and to help orphans and the vulnerable, both with milling, food and school fees. |
