As Chiyambi moves into its third year since the building opened, here is a snapshot of news:

As followers of Chiyambi Nursery are aware, the combination of inflation, fluctuations in exchange rates, the discontinuation of key sources of funding, and a requirement to raise teachers’ salaries has put pressure on budgets in recent months. But we are delighted to share that a very generous gift from a UK donor will help to ensure the projects financial stability over the next year.

Fundraising has been given a further boost by the creation of a small Chiyambi fundraising support group in the UK. Various events and initiatives are in preparation for the future.

Staff training

Our teaching staff have benefitted from various training, including:

• safeguarding

• information about reusable sanitary kits (provided by Mbedza)

• a visit by SPARKLE Foundation staff, another UK-based charity working to promote high-quality early years education in Malawi. Training focussed on teaching methodology, educational challenges and the role of a teacher. This training resulted in positive changes in the classroom at Chiyambi. Maqsooda writes that: “ investment in professional development has brought about tangible benefits, enhancing the quality of early childhood education and encouraging a more pleasant atmosphere for student growth and development”.

Staff additions

Several months ago, Maqsooda noticed that too much teacher time was being used for attending to individual children’s behavioural and toileting needs. Consequently, there were disciplinary and behavioural issues amongst the children, including damage to school fabric and facilities. It was decided that we should employ a Teaching Assistant, to assist individual children with their needs. We are pleased to announce that this new post has now been filled, and the appointment is making a difference.

Enrolments

Enrolments continue to be buoyant, and Chiyambi often offers places to children who have been moved from other nurseries, some of which have sadly had to close because of economic pressures.

Kitchen Update

We are delighted to share that the Chiyambi kitchen now has brand new Esperanza stoves. With this new addition the kitchen is now fully functional, and the children’s lunches can now be cooked on the premises.

A learning curve

Developments with growing our own produce in the Chiyambi Nursery garden, and growing maize in Mrs Kalanje’s plot nearby, have not been nearly as successful as hoped. This has been disappointing, but this is a learning curve, and the team will reflect on the reasons for the poor crops harvest, and decide how best to proceed next season.

Sponsored nursery places

In the following interview, Maqsooda updates us on the progress of the seven sponsored children.

It is a few months now since we started our child sponsorship scheme, and seven children are benefitting from UK sponsorship. Could you tell us how the children settled into Chiyambi when they first started?

”Since the launch of our child sponsorship program a few months ago, we are pleased to report that seven children are  now benefiting from the UK sponsorship. When these children initially started attending Chiyambi Nursery School, they settled in quite well. They adapted smoothly to their new environment and began engaging positively with their peers and teachers.”

Have they, or their families,  experienced any particular difficulties?

“In the initial stages, some of the children and their families faced certain challenges. These included adjusting to the routine of attending school regularly and providing snacks for the children during recess.”

“Initially, some of the younger children experienced nervousness and shed a few tears as they embarked on their first school experience at Chiyambi Nursery School. However, with gentle support and encouragement, they gradually adapted to their new environment and began to participate more confidently in school activities.”

Are there any particular successes and achievements that you would like to highlight with regard to any - or all - of the children?

Academic Progress: Several children have shown notable improvements in their academic performance, demonstrating increased skills in subjects such as literacy and numeracy.

Social Integration: Many of the children have successfully integrated into the school community, forming friendships with their peers and participating actively in group activities.

Personal Development: There have been instances of significant personal growth among the sponsored children, e.g. confidence.

Do you have any comments or messages to pass on to the UK sponsors, either from yourself, the families, or the children themselves?

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors for their generosity and support, emphasizing the significant difference they are making in the lives of the sponsored children and their families.”

If more UK sponsors come forward, do you think it would be helpful to increase the number of sponsorships?

“Absolutely! Increasing the number of sponsorships would undoubtedly be beneficial. Expanding the sponsorship program would allow for a broader impact within the community, empowering more families to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for their children. With additional sponsors, we can extend our reach and make a meaningful difference in the lives of even more children in need.”

You’re invited

First, the Director and Deputy Director of Mbedza Malawi (Peatry and Nina) will visit the UK in June, and as part of their itinerary, will be present for a BBQ at the home of Dave and Diane Collett in Normanton, on Friday 21st June.

You are warmly invited to attend, to meet Peatry and Nina, as are others who are interested in finding out more about the work of Mbedza, in particular the Chiyambi Nursery. Please contact us if you are interested.

Secondly, we would love you (and your families and friends, including children) to join us for a Ceilidh (with supper provided) on Saturday 6th July, at a central Wakefield venue (West Yorkshire Sports and Social Club). Tickets are £8, available from Dave and Diane, and all profits will be donated to Chiyambi Nursery. Please contact us for tickets.

How can you help?

Consider becoming a monthly donor to ensure the future of Chiyambi Nursery.