We caught up with Lynn Clifford and Anne-Louise Kelly on their back to Malawi. Item 1 on the agenda there is to roll out a new growing season of the nutrition and conservation project we run with WAG. We’re adding 5 new schools to the existing 5 to bring the total number of children being reached to approx. 10,000.

Our new schools food growing initiative with WAG seems to working well, though it is early days. Aubrey, who is running it day to day, is putting amazing energy and dedication into the programmes at 5 schools close to Thuma. Over 4000 children attend these.

It’s run as a competition between the schools to create a bit a fun as well encouraging everyone to participate. The pupils get vital skills in growing, tending and harvesting as well as feeding themselves. Education is key to breaking out of poverty, but it’s impossible to learn if you’re hungry. Thanks to Lynn, Aubry and WAG for their enthusiasm and commitment on the ground. There’s more detail here.

Our great friend and agri-expert, Tony Finch is always extolling the virtues of beekeeping as part of a food sustenance mix in Malawi. We have looked at it before as a possibility, but it didn’t happen. Now we’re delighted to support Aubrey, WAG ranger & key TT supporter at a beekeeping course here at Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology with a view to trialing a beekeeping project.