Happy New Year and a Warm Welcome Back to Term One

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I would like to begin by wishing you all a very happy New Year and the very best for the year ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued kindness, encouragement, and support.

I am pleased to share that the children returned for the new school term yesterday, 12th January.

The area has experienced heavy rains over recent weeks, which meant some children were unable to attend, but we were still delighted to welcome 65 children back on the first day. As the weather improves and the sunshine returns, we expect attendance to rise again to around 100 children.

With the rains now easing off, we are moving ahead with plans to repaint the classroom, helping to keep the learning environment clean, bright, and welcoming for the children. At the same time, we have begun sourcing quotes from local carpenters to build small chairs and tables for the classroom so the children can learn in comfort.

At present, locally made wooden chairs are averaging around $7 per chair, including materials and labour. In contrast, ready-made plastic chairs are significantly more expensive at approximately $16 per chair, largely due to transport costs, as the nearest suppliers are based in Lilongwe. We would genuinely welcome your thoughts on which option you feel would be best — wooden or plastic.

Thank you once again for standing with us. Your support continues to make a real and lasting difference, and we will, as always, keep you updated on our progress.

With warm thanks and best wishes for the year ahead,

Sarah Kumvana Amani

Kwathu Breakfast Club

Sani Village, Nkhotakota by Lake Malawi