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FOCHTAFriends of Claude Ho in Thyolo Association

FOCHTA is delighted to announce that the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) is finally open.

The VTC was first conceived twelve years ago, and although funding was made possible through supporters in Australia soon after, matters beyond our control delayed its opening until October 2015.

First, the government re-zoned the land which had orginally been promised to FOCHTA. An alternative plot was allocated to us which proved to be unsuitable. Finally, we decided to purchase land, and obtained the title deed after a four-year struggle.

FOCHTA then tendered out to a reputable building contractor, who subsequently proved to be less than honest. A quantity surveyor was then employed taking

six months to assess costs. Finally, another contractor was employed, and the iconic building project was completed in mid-September. We plan to move our office from Luchenza town to this peaceful rural location during October.

FOCHTA is immensely grateful for the design and years of following up works - and patience - shown by Sam Crawford, his colleagues and associates. A special mention must be given to Sydney architect Jillian Hopkins who served as our project manager and stayed in Malawi for a year and a half, followed by Brendan Worsley.

They, and all the team below have worked on this project on a pro bono basis due to their passion for helping the orphans and vulnerable young people in the Thyolo District. Continued Page 2

FOCHTA Vocational Training Centre Opens

Rear of VTC with courtyard since been covered with lawn

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Architectural Team - Sam Crawford Architects in association with Ken Warr- Sam Crawford - Ken Warr- Lachlan Delaney- Wai-Yee Ho- Cressida Beale

Structural Engineering - Northrop Engineers- Jamie Shelton- Bonnie Custance

Services Engineering - Arup- Ruth Kesterman- Mike Dodd

Sanitation Engineering - Whitehead & Associates - Strider Duerinckx

Project Managers- Jillian Hopkins- Brendan Worsley

Landscape Architect - Aspect Studios- Sacha Coles

Engineer Consultant in Malawi - Allgreen Corporation- Kenneth Khonji

Courses to be conducted at the Vocational Training Centre

Tailoring

IT - (Microsoft, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publishing and Web Browsing.) 8 weeks.

Carpentry - 6-month course for the first level, followed by two more levels.

Brick Laying - 6-month course.

Welding - 6-month course.

Agriculture - 4-month course (livestock management, perma-culture, agriculture, horticulture and bee-keeping.)

Cookery Class - 15 days.

Nutrition Workshop

Entrepreneurship Workshop - 5 days.

Music Workshop - from 2 weeks to 3 months.

All courses and workshops are open to the public. Fees may be waived for FOCHTA beneficiaries, depending on individual cases.

Front view of VTC

A toilets and amenities block View of Mulanji Mountain 25km away

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Architectural Team - Sam Crawford Architects in association with Ken Warr- Sam Crawford - Ken Warr- Lachlan Delaney- Wai-Yee Ho- Cressida Beale

Structural Engineering - Northrop Engineers- Jamie Shelton- Bonnie Custance

Services Engineering - Arup- Ruth Kesterman- Mike Dodd

Sanitation Engineering - Whitehead & Associates - Strider Duerinckx

Project Managers- Jillian Hopkins- Brendan Worsley

Landscape Architect - Aspect Studios- Sacha Coles

Engineer Consultant in Malawi - Allgreen Corporation- Kenneth Khonji

Courses to be conducted at the Vocational Training Centre

Tailoring

IT - (Microsoft, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publishing and Web Browsing.) 8 weeks.

Carpentry - 6-month course for the first level, followed by two more levels.

Brick Laying - 6-month course.

Welding - 6-month course.

Agriculture - 4-month course (livestock management, perma-culture, agriculture, horticulture and bee-keeping.)

Cookery Class - 15 days.

Nutrition Workshop

Entrepreneurship Workshop - 5 days.

Music Workshop - from 2 weeks to 3 months.

All courses and workshops are open to the public. Fees may be waived for FOCHTA beneficiaries, depending on individual cases.

Front view of VTC

A toilets and amenities block View of Mulanji Mountain 25km away

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I am very honoured to have been selected in August as the new Chair of our NGO. This year is a very exciting time for us with the opening of the Vocational Training Centre.

This will allow us to train young people in a number of trades so that they may have a meaningful livelihood in future. Already, we have quite a number of graduates from university and technical colleges who are working in and outside of the Thyolo District, imparting the knowledge that they have learnt.

It is heartening to have now a very capable team in our office, led by Executive Director Zione Chimpeni. Zione has been working for us for many years in different roles. Her attributes of hardwork, compassion & ability are without question.

Recently, the management of our organisation as well as our way of running our programmes have been very much improved upon. Although we are not a big non-government organisation, we believe that it is better to manage it well rather than just expanding for the sake of it. Our priority is thus to emphasize on compassion not just to our youthful students, but also to the elderlies by way of a Gogoz Programme.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank our friends and supporters from all over the world for their support. Please remember that you, your family and friends are always most welcome to this “Our Warm Heart of Africa”. I like also to give a special mention acknowledging our Patron Claude Ho who has been guiding us along all these years on a daily basis in the last thirteen years and no doubt into the future as well.

University graduates

Midwife - Brenda, Keith Statistician - ClaraSocial Worker - AmaduSecondary School Teacher - DytonTechnical Education Officer - VioletPhysiotherapist - AaronAgriculturist - WilsonIrrigation Engineer - AustinAgronomist - James

Diploma or Certificate from colleges

Clinical Officers - Gift, Funani, Bily, Chifundo, SailesiMedical Assistant - Evance, LuciusCommunity Development Officer - Nenani, Kelvin, DikilaniAccountant - PrinceAnimal Husbandry Officer - CharlesPrimary School Teachers - Andrew, Sheillah, Rose, Stenala, Lion, Rexa, Amos, Stanslas, Otice, Often, Agness, Chifundo, Amos, Chitani, Hector, Ronald, Patrick, Witford, Lucy, Michael, Vincent, Dyna, Samuel, Kambani, Patrick, Nyadani, Stenala, Yohane, Chimwemwe, ElizabethNurse - Dines, PatrickTailors - Patricia, James, Isaac, Chikondi, Fyness, KakowaCarpenter Welders - Glyn, Alick, EvancePolicemen - Aaron, ChristopherElectrician - Waliyesa, YohaneAdministrator - BrightDriver - SelfridgeJournalists - Chisomo, EnockCar Mechanic - Kondwani

Message from Steven Labana, FOCHTA Board Chair

Stephen Labana

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In mid-August, the recently built FOCHTA Vocational Training Centre became partially operational with the commencement of a tailoring course. This course actually started in February this year in our office in Luchenza, taught by qualified instructor Biswick Kambawe Jnr.

The tailoring course consists of three levels, each with a 6-month duration. Level One is foundation, Level Two, an intermediate certificate course and Level Three, an advanced certificated course. A six-month attachment will follow the completion of all three levels.

FOCHTA’s orphaned beneficiaries will not be required to pay fees for this course. Instead, the selling-price of clothing they make will be counted towards payment. FOCHTA will also accept the public into the tailoring course so that cost of the programme can be recuperated.

Biswick, aged 28, was infected with cerebral malaria when he was three years old which left him with a disability and is wheelchair bound. But this did not deter him from his studies, first at secondary school, then at the Soche Technical College to study textiles and fashion design. He obtained Advanced Certificate Levels 1 to 3, which are accredited by the Malawi Technical Entrepreneurial Vocational Education Authority (TEVETA).

Biswick, apart from being a very skilful tailoring instructor, is also very active serving as a volunteer at the Parents of Disabled Children Association in Malawi. In addition, he does volunteering work for FEDOMA as a youth coordinator, advocating human rights.

FOCHTA starts Tailoring Course at the Vocational Training Centre

Biswick teaching an adult student at FOCHTA’s office before moving to the VTC.

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In mid-August, the recently built FOCHTA Vocational Training Centre became partially operational with the commencement of a tailoring course. This course actually started in February this year in our office in Luchenza, taught by qualified instructor Biswick Kambawe Jnr.

The tailoring course consists of three levels, each with a 6-month duration. Level One is foundation, Level Two, an intermediate certificate course and Level Three, an advanced certificated course. A six-month attachment will follow the completion of all three levels.

FOCHTA’s orphaned beneficiaries will not be required to pay fees for this course. Instead, the selling-price of clothing they make will be counted towards payment. FOCHTA will also accept the public into the tailoring course so that cost of the programme can be recuperated.

Biswick, aged 28, was infected with cerebral malaria when he was three years old which left him with a disability and is wheelchair bound. But this did not deter him from his studies, first at secondary school, then at the Soche Technical College to study textiles and fashion design. He obtained Advanced Certificate Levels 1 to 3, which are accredited by the Malawi Technical Entrepreneurial Vocational Education Authority (TEVETA).

Biswick, apart from being a very skilful tailoring instructor, is also very active serving as a volunteer at the Parents of Disabled Children Association in Malawi. In addition, he does volunteering work for FEDOMA as a youth coordinator, advocating human rights.

FOCHTA starts Tailoring Course at the Vocational Training Centre

Biswick teaching an adult student at FOCHTA’s office before moving to the VTC.

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I first joined FOCHTA a few months after its inception, in 2003, and worked as a volunteer in both its finance and programs departments. In the field I assisted in monitoring programs, planning and report writing. Soon thereafter I became a full-time staff member.

Before joining FOCHTA, I had worked with several organizations where I developed a passion for assisting the underprivileged, in spite of my limited income. While working for FOCHTA, my interest in helping orphans, especially, grew. I have experienced the loss of family members, and know that helping the needy brings much joy.

It also brings me joy to see FOCHTA’S achievements over the years, helping to produce educated young people – ranging from welders to doctors. Add to this

list hundreds of children who, against the odds, finished secondary school. Now with the newly completed Vocational Training Centre, more young people will learn trade skills and become self-reliant.

I was born in 1972, the ninth child in a family of 10. Our father raised us after our mother’s premature death. I did my schooling in Blantyre, and subsequently did several courses in accounting and financial management, as well as gaining knowledge through online courses such as Early Childhood Development, Journalism and Project Management. In 1994 I obtained my Certificate in Accounting with a credit and continued by later obtaining a diploma in accountancy.

I have two boys, Curtis and Maziko-Crifton.

Message from Executive Director Zione Matale

Student Story: Austin, FOCHTA Graduate

My name is Austin Kambalame. I was born in 1992, the last born child of a family of eight. My mother passed away in 1998, and soon after that our father returned to his home village, abandoning all of us.

I was selected to St. Patrick’s school for secondary schooling in 2005, however my older siblings only managed to pay my school fees after selling part of their staple food crop, maize, and going without themselves. I was forced to miss school at times due to non-payment of fees, and did badly that first year.

Then in Form Two I discovered FOCHTA, and my problems were over. I did well from then on and I went on to study a Bachelor of Science - Engineering, at university.

At university my FOCHTA sponsors were Lynne Oldfield and her partner John Flint and as well they took on the role of parents, giving encouragement and valuable advice. I am very grateful to them and to Claude and the co-founders of FOCHTA.

I am currently working as a Student Liaison Officer at FOCHTA on a voluntary basis. With the turns my life has taken, I am optimistic for my future and I am prepared to help others as FOCHTA and my sponsors have helped me.

Zione looking on as Steven Labana presents a present to visitor Robyn

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Dyton Liphale was a beneficiary of ours, first in his secondary schooling, then he was supported to study a Bachelor of Education at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College.

Soon after his graduation in 2010, he obtained a position as a teacher in an Anglican National Secondary School, St Michael’s Girls in Mangochi. But his zeal for learning and desire to help others led him to do a masters degree in sociology in the same university, a two year course.

He is now writing his thesis to mark the completion of his course. While studying for his second degree, he continued to teach in another school near to his university.

At the same time, two years ago, he opened a computer skills college, where he and two other teachers teach IT to their students. This was subsequent to obtaining an advanced level diploma in computer engineering under the ABMA syllabus.

Dyton hopes that someday he could pursue a profession in social welfare while making use of his IT skills.

He would like to contribute in future in some capacity to FOCHTA. This is not possible at present because his work and studies are far from Thyolo District. Currently, he is having a house built as he is about to get married.

Dyton Liphale - Charting his Life in a Meaningful Way

Dyton Liphale

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Secondary School Students

In the new school year that started in September 2015, FOCHTA has provided bursary for 81 students. This brings to a total of 1976 students that we have supported since this programme started some 13 years ago. To improve on the literacy level of our students, we regularly conduct tutorials, literacy workshops, and book-reading sessions in the four libraries we have established.

But in addition to supporting students with their school fees, we are always on the lookout to see to their needs. Every quarter, we conduct a survey to ascertain their living conditions. If the roof on the house they live in is found to need repair, we will do the repairs. Early in 2015, there was a major flood caused by the biggest rainfall ever recorded in the country, resulting in loss of crops, and damage to houses and infrastructure. Accordingly, we provided to some students emergency relief by handing out maize flour, blankets, etc.

As part of the requirements for students to obtain a bursary, they need to do a number of hours of community work, such as helping to look after sick elderly people or to clean their house for them. Senior students, especially those at tertiary level, as well as the ones who have graduated, are encouraged to do mentoring and to conduct literacy workshops. During the recent school vacation, three university graduates conducted tutorial classes to coach students in English and science subjects.

Tertiary StudentsOut of the 20 students whom we have supported to study at universities, 9 have graduated. Moreover, one - Clara Lemani - has obtained a masters degree (Statistical Science) while Dyton Liphale is in his last year doing a master degree in sociology.

Student Ruth point out the broken wall damaged by a recent storm.

FOCHTA has since repaired it.

A meeting of the FOCHTA Board of Trustees at the Vocational Training Centre.

From left to right: Wilson Saikonde, Mrs Hilda Ntiya, Mrs Mirriam

Mangazi, Peter Muotcha, Mrs Elizabeth Mayenda, Steven Labana (chairman)

& Austin Kambalame. (not in picture: Miss Victoria Akuzike & Yohanne Kachepa).

FOCHTA Students Update

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My name is Victoria Akuzike Wane, born to Martin and Rose Wane on 21st September 1969. In fact I have a twin brother and six other siblings. We are five girls and two brothers but one is late. My father was a teacher by profession and a strict disciplinarian while my mother is a retired nurse.

I was inspired by the success story of my own father, how he excelled from being a primary school teacher to a college lecturer through hard work and remaining focused on what he wanted to achieve in life. In our local language there is an adage which says “pali njira zambiri zophera asakhwi” which simply means that there are many means to an end. He used to instill the same spirit in us that we should not look down upon ourselves if things have not gone well at one point in life as there is always hope in the future.

When I did not get admission into the university soon after completing my secondary school education, my father told me that “if you miss the bus you go by Matola”. In old days in my country buses as a means of transport only travelled once a day or week in most rural areas, and when you miss it, then you had to find an alternative way of how you will reach your destination since there were few buses. One of the alternatives was to board any open vehicle like a lorry or pick-up hence the name “Matola”. One thing for sure is that although

travelling by ‘matola’ may not be as pleasant as travelling by bus but, it will still get you to your destination if you are willing to do so.

This is exactly what I did to get where I am today. I started off as a primary school teacher and taught in three schools for about seven years. Later I decided to upgrade myself to a secondary school teacher by going back to school where I earned my Diploma in Education.

I taught for two years and decided to change fields when an opportunity came since I never wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I applied for a degree program at the University of Malawi where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts (HRM) in 2007. After graduating from college I still taught for one year but later got a job with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as a Human Resource Management Officer. Just last year I was promoted to the position of Principal Administrative Officer.

So you can see that although I did not get initial admission into the University I have made my way through because I never underestimated my efforts. Life is what you make, so they say, and resources permitting, I am hopeful that I will do my Masters in the near future.

“If you miss the bus you go by Matola”A speech by a Board Member Victoria Akuzike to students

Victoria in discussion with Programme Officer Nenani James

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My name is Victoria Akuzike Wane, born to Martin and Rose Wane on 21st September 1969. In fact I have a twin brother and six other siblings. We are five girls and two brothers but one is late. My father was a teacher by profession and a strict disciplinarian while my mother is a retired nurse.

I was inspired by the success story of my own father, how he excelled from being a primary school teacher to a college lecturer through hard work and remaining focused on what he wanted to achieve in life. In our local language there is an adage which says “pali njira zambiri zophera asakhwi” which simply means that there are many means to an end. He used to instill the same spirit in us that we should not look down upon ourselves if things have not gone well at one point in life as there is always hope in the future.

When I did not get admission into the university soon after completing my secondary school education, my father told me that “if you miss the bus you go by Matola”. In old days in my country buses as a means of transport only travelled once a day or week in most rural areas, and when you miss it, then you had to find an alternative way of how you will reach your destination since there were few buses. One of the alternatives was to board any open vehicle like a lorry or pick-up hence the name “Matola”. One thing for sure is that although

travelling by ‘matola’ may not be as pleasant as travelling by bus but, it will still get you to your destination if you are willing to do so.

This is exactly what I did to get where I am today. I started off as a primary school teacher and taught in three schools for about seven years. Later I decided to upgrade myself to a secondary school teacher by going back to school where I earned my Diploma in Education.

I taught for two years and decided to change fields when an opportunity came since I never wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I applied for a degree program at the University of Malawi where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts (HRM) in 2007. After graduating from college I still taught for one year but later got a job with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as a Human Resource Management Officer. Just last year I was promoted to the position of Principal Administrative Officer.

So you can see that although I did not get initial admission into the University I have made my way through because I never underestimated my efforts. Life is what you make, so they say, and resources permitting, I am hopeful that I will do my Masters in the near future.

“If you miss the bus you go by Matola”A speech by a Board Member Victoria Akuzike to students

Victoria in discussion with Programme Officer Nenani James

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I live at Kasalika village Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District. I was born to a family of three children, with me being the second child. My parents passed away long time ago when I was young. So from that time on my life was too hard, since I stayed with my grandmother who was a woman with disability. I was therefore very worried about my future.

But when I heard about the Organization called FOCHTA, I tried my best to apply in order to become one of its beneficiaries. So from the time FOCHTA started paying for my school fees, my life has become much easier, since I have access to education. I work very hard in my studies so as to achieve my goals.

I have attended workshops organized by FOCHTA in Girls Initiative, a program whereby we were motivated to work hard in our studies thus allowing us to fulfill our dreams.

I was also very glad to be able to receive counseling and to share with others in the workshop my problems and how to solve them.

Now I am very excited since I have nearly made it by fulfilling my goals of furthering my studies to become a teacher. I am now in my second year doing a certificate course at the DAPP Chilangoma Teachers Training College.

Finally, it is my plea to the organization of FOCHTA to continue assisting needy people like me to have access to education and thus to fulfill their dreams.

A letter from Merolyn Spoon

News from BelgiumDanielle Moucq and friends have been busy fundraising this year in Belgium. A breakfast and movie morning was held at the Cinema Vendome in March, attended by over 80 people.

In April, a golf competition followed by dinner and tombola was organised at Golf Club de Sept Fontaines-Braine L’Alleud with over 3000e raised.

In September Danielle took part in a brocante in her neighbourhood. Brocante is similar to a huge multi-home garage sale, where the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, and people come from far and wide to find pre-loved treasures. 950e was raised on the day.

In November the Belgian group is planning to present a comedy by French writer Sacha Guitry. They hope to sell 150 tickets.

Merolyn at home on vacation sorting sorghum

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I have wanted to go to Malawi since meeting Claude several years ago when he told me about FOCHTA. My mother Robyn and I finally made it over there this June-July and I’ve found that despite having been back for a while, I am still processing my experiences.

I feel so grateful for having had the opportunity to visit FOCHTA in the Thyolo district and have been deeply moved by my time in Malawi.

Staying with the Labana Family (Steven Labana was a co-founder of FOCHTA) and visiting beneficiaries and Gogoz (Grandparents) in the surrounding villages offered a lot of insight into the day to day life of especially rural Malawians and the challenges they faced.

We also had the opportunity to participate in and conduct personal development workshops during which I felt very inspired by the FOCHTA staff and the beneficiaries for their enthusiasm and determination in all of their endeavours.

I had the pleasure in sharing my craft with the beneficiaries and staff; seeing the smiles on the students

faces during our macramé workshops was definitely a special moment for me and I remember feeling happy at their excitement to learn a new skill and being impressed by how quick everyone was able to grasp the technique.

I would like to say thank you to all our new friends including FOCHTA staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, gogoz and the Labana family for welcoming us so warmly and for taking the time to make our visit an unforgettable memory.

Thank you to our dear friend Claude for making this trip possible, and, thank you to all FOCHTA supporters – knowing that you are making a huge difference in the lives of many people. Zikomo Gwanbiri! (Thank you very much!)

Tanya Da Silva

(Tanya is a jewellery designer from Sydney.)

My Recent Visit to FOCHTA in Malawi

Tanya (left) taking part in a birthday party for Claude at the VTC with children performing a dance

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FOCHTA Photo Album

Middle: Dennis Chimenya, headmaster of Luchenza Community Day School giving words of encouragement to our students at the VTC.

Bottom: Our administrative staff Bright Denmark conducting an IT course in our office making use of the computers that have been donated by the Singapore MBA University.

Top: A regular Girls Initiative Workshop conducted by Director Zione. Looking on is visitor Robyn Lyall

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FOCHTA Student Photos

Top: Student Lambeje being wheeled to the VTC by her friend to attend a workshop during school vacation. She is placed by us in a boarding school.

Middle: Jonathan Master sitting in his 2mX2m ‘sitting room’.

Bottom: Ruth studying in her space in a small hut occupied by also her 3 siblings and grandmother 13

Meeting the dynamic Mrs Hilda Ntiya one is immediately infected by her enthusiasm for life.

Where does the drive behind Mrs Ntiya’s involvement with her community come from? Not only is she the FOCHTA Grassroots Committee representative in the FOCHTA Board of Trustees, she helps run a nursery for young children on a daily basis.

And of course her household is always bustling with activities, what with the four children she has, and in addition, she has taken in eight orphans whom she has adopted.

Born in 1965, the seventh child in a family of eleven, she remembers they ate only once a day and had sacks for blankets. She paid for her own school fees by doing piece work. However, in 1982, while studying the equivalent of Australia’s Form 1, she had to leave school to help look after her blind father and her mother who had diabetes and high blood pressure. Only two of her siblings remain: one who has paralysis and the other diabetes and HIV.

She therefore feels she does not want children to go through the hardships that she had experienced as a child.

In 1994 Mrs Ntiya joined Médecins Sans Frontières as a volunteer to help assist those children whose parents had died from HIV/AIDS. Then in early 2003, when FOCHTA first started, she became a FOCHTA grassroots member. Her tasks were to identify and monitor beneficiaries for FOCHTA in the Kasalika village area.

She also helps run and support a day nursery for very young orphans as well as those in poverty. This nursery is run by mostly grandmas who belong to the FOCHTA Gogoz Group. There, the children are given porridge to ensure they have at least one meal per day. She also encourages local children to attend schools.

By Robyn Lyall

FOCHTA’s True Backbone: Hilda Ntiya

Ntiya on right, always cheerful, seen entertaining toddlers at a community centre after distributing them porridge for breakfast organised by FOCHTA’s gogoz group on a daily basis.

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Meeting the dynamic Mrs Hilda Ntiya one is immediately infected by her enthusiasm for life.

Where does the drive behind Mrs Ntiya’s involvement with her community come from? Not only is she the FOCHTA Grassroots Committee representative in the FOCHTA Board of Trustees, she helps run a nursery for young children on a daily basis.

And of course her household is always bustling with activities, what with the four children she has, and in addition, she has taken in eight orphans whom she has adopted.

Born in 1965, the seventh child in a family of eleven, she remembers they ate only once a day and had sacks for blankets. She paid for her own school fees by doing piece work. However, in 1982, while studying the equivalent of Australia’s Form 1, she had to leave school to help look after her blind father and her mother who had diabetes and high blood pressure. Only two of her siblings remain: one who has paralysis and the other diabetes and HIV.

She therefore feels she does not want children to go through the hardships that she had experienced as a child.

In 1994 Mrs Ntiya joined Médecins Sans Frontières as a volunteer to help assist those children whose parents had died from HIV/AIDS. Then in early 2003, when FOCHTA first started, she became a FOCHTA grassroots member. Her tasks were to identify and monitor beneficiaries for FOCHTA in the Kasalika village area.

She also helps run and support a day nursery for very young orphans as well as those in poverty. This nursery is run by mostly grandmas who belong to the FOCHTA Gogoz Group. There, the children are given porridge to ensure they have at least one meal per day. She also encourages local children to attend schools.

By Robyn Lyall

FOCHTA’s True Backbone: Hilda Ntiya

Ntiya on right, always cheerful, seen entertaining toddlers at a community centre after distributing them porridge for breakfast organised by FOCHTA’s gogoz group on a daily basis.

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In June this year, I made a visit to FOCHTA in Malawi with my daughter Tanya. My main purpose was to undertake a survey to investigate the possible incidence of dementia amongst the gogoz (or grandparents) in the villages of FOCHTA beneficiaries.

The numbers of people with dementia are increasing in the world. Over time people with dementia lose their social and cognitive skills, ability to express themselves, and to understand and comprehend information.

Age, vascular disease, diabetes, head trauma, alcohol, smoking and genetics are all risk factors for dementia. Higher education, staying socially connected, exercising the body and mind and good nutrition are currently thought to be preventatives to this debilitating illness.

FOCHTA staff and their grassroots members organised numerous consenting gogos from four villages and interpreters for my project. Surveys included information on health and depression as well as memory tests designed to identify deficits in different cognitive areas. Deficits in cognitive abilities are indicators for dementia only after other underlying causes have been investigated and eliminated.

While full analysis of my small preliminary survey of elder rural Malawians in the Thyolo district is still needed, initial results of memory tests showed good cognitive dexterity,

especially for those who are socially connected with their family or neighbours.

These people have lack of access to medical service, have low education, incidences of stroke, diabetes and frequently little food. Nevertheless they still exercise by necessity. Daily they must rise from the ground where they sleep and sit, they walk to collect firewood or water from wells and pumps.

Numerous elders still do piece work in fields to grow the food they eat and their diets are simple and organic. Many had strong religious faith. These elders live in the humblest of conditions in mud dried brick homes without furniture or plumbing and cooking on a fire outside, however they all extended warmth and goodwill to me.

Apart from conducting the survey, I also had a first-hand opportunity to witness what difference FOCHTA’s work has made to the community. My time in Thyolo district Malawi was such a rich event. Staff at FOCHTA Malawi see their responsibilities as more than just the payment of school fees. They also help their beneficiaries embrace social, physical and psychological well-being.

FOCHTA staff cultivate an open dialogue with school

Continued page 15

Dementia Survey in Thyolo District

Robyn interviewing the lady in front of her. On Robyn’s left is Mrs Faines Labana acting as her interpreter.

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Continued. from page 14.

principals, inviting them to events such as Empowerment Day at the FOCHTA Vocational Training Centre in June. At this event, various dignitaries encouraged students to be consistent and utilise the opportunities given them and to advise FOCHTA of any concerns they may have.

This was a well-attended occasion and was followed by one-on-one meetings by staff at students’ homes. In fact FOCHTA staff, volunteers and beneficiaries were all welcoming, generous of spirit and enthusiastic about life’s future possibilities.

I am grateful to them and my friend Claude Ho for the rewarding experience of a snapshot into life of FOCHTA in Malawi.

By Robyn LyallFOCHTA supporter Undergraduate of Bachelor of Dementia Care at University of Tasmania, Australia.

Surveys were conducted at the homes of the elders late morning to early afternoon with duration of 45 minutes to 80 minutes. 33 surveys were undertaken.

FOCHTA is honoured to have consent from the following persons to be our Honrary Board Member for a period of two years. We will no doubt be indebted to their expert, wise counsel to our NGO in future:

Dr. Emmauel Kanjunjunju - Formerly a medical doctor, then studied a Master Degree in Public Health in the University of Sydney. He now holds a senior position in the Blantyre City Council.

Mr Dyson Mmina - He has obtained a Bachelor of Education, and later obtained a degree in Human Resource & Management. He is currently the Acting Learning & Development Manager in Standard Bank of Malawi.

Mr Mphatso Matandika - A lawyer, Mr Matandika is the Legal Services Manager for Blantyre City Council. He was previously a magistrate.

Honorary Board Members Appointed

Jonathan taking delivery of maize flour donated by FOCHTA. Without parents, We have to constantly monitor his wellbeing.

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How can you help?With the opening of our new Vocational Training Centre FOCHTA is seeking help from its supporters:

w Supplies and equipment, including sewing machines, books, furniture, farming equipment and monetary donations for student tuition, are also needed for the VTC. To donate to FOCHTA and help our beneficiaries visit our website www.fochta.org.au/howyoucanhelp

w Volunteers are invited to come to Malawi to tutor students in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. We would also welcome builders, tailors, carpenters, etc. All expenses will be paid for on arrival, including full-board and transport. Contact clth311@gmail.com for more information.

2016 Sydney Fundraising Event

Enjoy an Evening of Kabaret, Wine & Music

with Tenor Brad Cooperand Mikey Curtain at the piano

Friday 26th February 2016Paddington Uniting Church, Oxford St.

Enquiries: info@fochta.org.au

FOCHTAFriends of Claude Ho in Thyolo Association

www.fochta.org.au

Facebook: Friends of Claude Ho in Thyolo AssociationEnquiries: info@fochta.org.au

Tel: 0402757346 (from outside Australia: +61 402757346)

Designed by Alison King