At the core of Open Arms' work is a commitment to empower vulnerable families to successfully care for their children - fostering independence and encouraging active participation every step of the way.
When tragedy struck over two years ago, keeping her family together and providing for her loved ones seemed impossible to Matthew's grandmother. But with support from Open Arms, it has not only become possible... it has become a reality!
Matthew was born in September 2022 - healthy and adored - but tragically lost his mother when he was only a few weeks old, leaving him and his two siblings orphaned and extremely vulnerable.
His grandmother, though already solely supporting three of her own children plus another grandchild, took on Matthew and his siblings without hesitation. However, her daily piece work of clearing other people’s gardens and collecting water simply wasn’t enough to provide all of Matthew’s needs as a new-born.
By five months old, weighing only 3.1kg, he was malnourished, failing to thrive and greatly at risk.
Social Welfare contacted Open Arms as it was clear help was desperately needed.
After a short stay in the former Blantyre Infant Home (right, in the baby bouncer), Matthew was able to return to his family in June 2023 under a brand new initiative that was being piloted at the time - the Community-Based Care Programme.
The family were incredibly happy to welcome Matthew home and any worry his grandmother had about the cost of raising him were immediately relieved, as the team assured her they would be supported with infant formula, porridge and other basic materials on a monthly basis.
Under the care of his grandmother - who receives regular visits and support from the team - Matthew is absolutely thriving!
A fit and healthy, confident and energetic little boy, he is not only growing incredibly well but has developed the most beautiful bond and secure connection with his grandmother - to the point where separating them can be a challenge!
Matthew also loves to play with his siblings and their joy in being together as a family is evident to all who know them.
The assurance of support through Matthew's early years has made all the difference for this family. However, as a single woman living in extreme poverty, Matthew's grandmother constantly faces the challenge of providing for the six children under her care - especially when it comes to ensuring there is sufficient food all year round.
With no stable source of income, she has relied on piecework to earn any income, but taking on the care of her baby grandson reduced the time she could dedicate to these activities.
Like so many in Malawi, this family depend on agriculture. They are fortunate to own a large piece of land, however accessing any resources has been a significant challenge and they've not had the opportunity to learn how to maximise their farming potential.
Initially, Open Arms helped them to start farming bananas (pictured right) - fast to grow, easy to sell and a helpful food source for them all. But seeing the need for much longer term security, they have since been enrolled in our 3 year Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
With provision of seeds and fertilisers, as well as ongoing training and guidance from Agriculture Extension Officer Patrick, it is anticipated that the family will achieve both food security and financial independence within three years - meaning Matthew’s grandmother can continue to provide for him and support his and all her family's needs even after the Community-Based Care programme concludes.
Their maize field is well underway and over the next two years, they'll introduce soya beans and groundnuts to their crops, which will not only improve their diets but generate a valuable and sustainable source of income that will see this family become completely self-sufficient.
That means no more hunger, no more dependence and no more living below the poverty line in just three years!
The future is looking bright!
If, like us, you are passionate about empowering wonderful families like Matthew's to lift themselves out of extreme poverty, there are so many ways you can join with us to help.
Whether through fundraising, a one-off or regular donation, full sponsorship or simply spreading the word to anyone who may be inspired by the work of Open Arms, we'd love to hear from you.
Find out how you can get involved today!
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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