NAOC Malawi, Africa Overview
I hope you recall that Noah's Ark Orphan Care or NAOC, was founded by Nancy Sisco, sponsored by Christian Church International (CCI), and is headquartered in Blantyre, Malawi. If this is your first visit to my Squidoo Lens, please check out my two other lenses for lots more details and photos on NAOC.
As a Community Based Organization (CBO), we provide everything except a place to sleep for 62 children in Blantyre, 58 children in Metaketa, Zomba District. NAOC has now expanded into Nchalo, where the needs of 22 orphans are being met. The program relies solely on the generosity of donors and sponsors (individuals, groups, businesses, churches, trusts, and foundations) thus far in the USA, Scotland, and Malawi.
Because of the HIV/Aids epidemic, the number of orphaned, and other vulnerable children needing assistance continued to increase. The house in Chirimba Township became increasingly too small!
Nancy began to pray and envisioned a new three-story multi-purpose building.
First, it would have to be large enough to have living space for her, her adopted Malawian daughter, Esther, and the five other orphans living with her.
Second, it would have classrooms, a library, an office, bathrooms, and an auditorium for music and drama presentations. Now, extra room for our pre-school kids will be considered for that floor.
Where would this lovely facility be located AND would enough money come in to begin the construction??
Michiru Mountain View
"Malawi's Heavenliest View"
Green, green, luscious and verdant green!
Pastor Nancy shares here, how the land happened to come into our hands:
"Several years ago, some friends in the States donated money to buy a piece of property, and a different parcel close to the current one was chosen and bought.
It contained a partially completed building. However, one day people were seen unloading a delivery of bricks to complete the building. Upon investigation, it was found there was a question of ownership. In negotiation, the currently owned property was offered in exchange.
Now we see God's hand in all of it, as this piece of land is far superior. It is quite a bit larger, sits high on a hill, and has views of the surrounding mountains from EVERY direction.
We praise Him, and through it all have learned to trust Him more and more."
Orphan Care Fundraising Can Be Fun!
Some of my Flickr photos were taken when Nancy and Esther were home here in beautiful Michigan this summer. Their ten weeks here were very full and quickly flew by, but SO much was accomplished.They went to doctor and dentist appointments, family and church gatherings, water parks and a zoo. Esther also celebrated her NINTH birthday!! :-)
They had several opportunities to share our progress with old friends, many donors and supporters, and also make new friends who were interested in helping the children at NAOC.
Maggie's hosting a "friends of NAOC" evening
Old and New Friends Express Their Interest
Let the Work Begin in Blantyre
...or, "So they strengthened their hands for this good work." Neh:2:18b
During their summer visit in Flint 2007, Nancy met a young couple, Jeff and Sara Ryal, and their 11 year old daughter, Annamarie.Jeff is the Missions Coordinator for his church, Faith Tabernacle, and is also "coincidentally" in the CONSTRUCTION business.
YES, can you believe it? Is this a God-thing, or what?
He had traveled on many construction missions trips; seven times in Peru, and had also worked in Jamaica, Belize, and twice in the US Gulf Coast.
So while looking over the blueprints, he was eager to help with the project, and after praying began to plan to take his family to Malawi the very next summer, Lord willing.
(L to R:Tim, Annamarie, Sara & Jeff)
Americans in Malawi...
...falling in love with the " Warm Heart of Africa"
The Lord was VERY willing, and even had another hard-working young man, Tim Rosa, travel with them for their first five- week mission.Here's a link to Jeff and Sara's Blog from both of their trips( '08 and '09) to Malawi, and the latest on the adoption!
www.1-17.blogspot.com
Tim, Jeff and Sara at building site
NAOC Construction Well Underway!
Jeff and Tim worked alongside the Malawian crew...
...and that was quite a witness to the Malawians. They said, "Usually the Americans just watch!"
Burnt bricks and Mch...
Sand for the Constru...
Free Sand, Paid Work...
Taking a Rest
Footings
Mesh over Cement
Green Vistas
Kids in the "Be...
Deep Foundations
Columns Without Boxe...
Column Forms
Seven Boxed columns
Measuring Up
NAOC Building: 40' B...
Tim Rosa, Annamarie,...
Veranda- Tim & R...
town side
side lintels
Pastor's future bedr...
Pastor Elisha visits...
Keeping The NAOC Vision Real Back Home
After the Ryals and Tim shared their hearts for helping the kids at NAOC, they asked everyone to pray about: sponsoring a child in private school, having a well drilled, & the possibility of international adoption!
Answered prayer: many generous donors stepped up to sponsor three terms for our primary kids at "Rose Garden Private School"!
Beginning In January 2009, in new uniforms, they attend all day classes with just 30 to 35 students, instead of 100.
Praise the Lord for this great opportun
Private Schooling A Must...
...For a REAL Education
In government schools in Malawi, children attend just four hours a day, it's only free to eighth grade, textbooks were just available for the first time.
It pours all day, every day, during rainy season, so kids are sent home...especially those that have class outside under a tree!
If children don't quickly gain a very good command of English, then ALL other subjects suffer immensely.
P.S. Poll answer is on a sticky note on Noah's Ark Orphan Care lens.
Would you like to help support the children and building project at NAOC?
Donor info here:
NAOC is sponsored by (but separate from) Christian Church International headquartered in Flint, MI, USA.
All donations and gifts are tax exempt under NAOC's newly applied for 501-c3 status.
Checks may be mailed to:
Noah's Ark Orphan Care
P. O. Box 13408
Flint, MI 48501
Thank you for your interest! :-)
NAOC News Update
As of 2/20/2009 the price of a 50kg. bag of maize has skyrocketed from K800 to now K4,421. That's over $32 per bag; we use one bag each week! Maize/nsema is the main staple of their diet. Donations received at this time count toward purchasing more maize before it shoots up again...and it will.
Stocking Up On Maize
Malawi Related News
Mostly good news, but sometimes...
- Lessons from microfinance
- The BBC reports that a small £12 loan has made a huge difference to a woman in Chipepete in central Malawi. She was able to purchase school uniforms for her children, is repaying that loan, and now ready to apply for another! Please read more here:
- Cement and Iron Sheet Shortages Hit Malawi
- Most of Malawi is facing a construction halt due to shortages in materials. Questions abound as to the reason for this. Please read more here.
- "Malawi, from land of empty to nation of plenty" Reported by Frazer Potani
- Since the institution of the Fertilizer Subsidy program of President Bingu wa Mutharika, many Malawians have been able to feed their own families. The president has been honored for his bold reforms leading to a surplus of maize. Read more about exciting future plans here...
- Malawi to boost investment in science
- President Mutharika announced budget increases for a new Commission of Science and Technology. His plans are..." to rehabilitate current development in education; provide better housing for teachers; and conduct a comprehensive review of the education, science and technology curriculum." Please read more here...
- Stories on Malawi: Education for girls is key to brighter future in Malawi
- Education is the key for Malawian girls to overcome the cultural definition of a woman's place in their society. Read more about the recent opening of "Girls On The Move School".
NAOC : Stateside Fellowship, Fun, and Focus
Fascinatin' Facts...
...and some cool links!
- Construction Malawi Style
- I found this really nice blog that makes me miss my time in Malawi! Here's some snaps of typical brick building/burning "constructions". ;-) Please read on...
- Malawi Facts (Lake Malawi, Multi Party, Africa) @ Wretchedness.org
- The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique, which surrounds it on the east, south and west and it is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by…
- Vestergaard Frandsen : LifeStraw®
- LifeStraw, PermaNet, and ZeroFly are three innovative products being used in third world countries and sub-Saharan Africa. They're greatly reducing the numbers of people,especially children, that are afflicted by mosquito, fly, and water-born diseases.
Pastor Elisha Visits NAOC Building Site
Construction: Malawi Style
Via Email from Pastor Nancy
"These are the walls of the first floor. They have now reached to the top of the support columns.
Next the workers added the cement lintel. It's a layer of cement around the entire top of the building, with steel rods above the windows and doors.
Above that will be three or four rows of brick which will take us to the next cement slab...the ceiling/floor of the second floor.
The lighter colored bricks are the foundation, and the first floor begins where the darker bricks are added."
We use a lot of steel supports, which are very costly, but VERY necessary for safety!
Pastor Shares Gardening Experiments at NAOC
"If at first you don't succeed..."
"I have talked here much about our wonderful sweet corn on the cob, and people wanted me to bring seed for them to try. The same with orange pumpkins - theirs are various shades of green - although they taste the same.
So, I... bought packets of both for each family in the church.
Well......the American sweet corn is on the right, and the Malawian maize is on the left! It has an ear - you can hardly see the tassel high up near the pink blooms on the bush next to it. This was taken at the house.
The pumpkins are rotting because of all the rain - they are planted at the
building site, as is more corn. I think they are saying, 'This is foreign land to me! It is too wet!' Ha!
(The blue pail on the wall will be used for irrigation through the tubes in the bottom - when we need it, but not now!)
However, the garden of MALAWIAN produce has begun producing. We are eating Chinese cabbage - not like ours there, but very green and good for salads. Tomatoes are on the vine and ripening. Onions are growing. Sweet potatoes also, etc., etc.".
Of course, we do have nightwatchmen at the building site to keep an eye on all our materials AND the garden!
US Sweetcorn or Malawian Maize?
New NAOC Flagpole: Shadreck, Accompanied by Oscar ;-)
Our work goes forward...
While our primary school children attend all day classes at private school, NAOC continues to meet their needs. We'll provide three meals, medical needs, clean uniforms, and most of all: sharing the love of God with them. Although the house was missing kids during the day, we now have 12 new ones!!
Update on NAOC Building Project
...More building in progress!
Jeff Ryal is still in Malawi for a few more days, and has been working with the builders on the second floor at the site. He's hopeful of completing half of the ceiling/floor of 2nd story at this time. At least the very long steels are finally out of the hallway at Pastor's house!
Mrs. Majawa With 2nd & 3rd Grade NAOC Kids
Newsflash from Jeff Ryal
While helping with the building project in Chirimba, and overseeing the well drilling at Metaketa, Jeff and Sara were able to finalize Linda's adoption!! PTL!
NAOC News: We're Building Again!!
Second floor underway in Chirimba, well drilling in Metaketa.
Jeff and friends checking out the progress.
Malawian Ingenuity
Pastor Chisale Goes Solar
When Pastor Chisale in Metaketa was given a small TV/Video player, he was still without electricity. A challenge like that didn't stop him, and after some scrapping around, he was somehow able to hook up a small solar panel to a car battery. He thereby was the only house in his area to have lights, and a TV, AND he could even charge his cell phone.
There's apparently many Malawian folks, like the talented William Kamkwamba, who are very inventive...as in the old proverb, "Necessity is the mother of invention."
Depending on the funds, we're hoping to install much larger solar panels on our building, and wire it as we go!
NAOC October 2009 Newletter
Here's a building update!|
Per Pastor Nancy:
Our building project is progressing along, but very slowly. Just this week we finished putting the cement over the steels on l/2 of the ceiling/floor of the first/second floor (see photo in gallery). We will continue, of course, when money is available.
We do have a goal - of completely finishing the first and second floors so we can move there in 2010. We really do need the space - and know that we could even help more children at that location. However, because of you, we are very happy that we don't owe anything on what has been done this far! Thank-you, for all of you who have contributed!
We also are in the process of buying a large beautiful piece of property (see photo) adjoining our current site, and have big plans for that. We are hopeful of putting in some projects which will help in the support of Noah's Ark Orphan Care and also give work experience to our children. One is a maize mill, as there are none close by. Another is a small chicken farm, both for our food supply and for selling. Of course, we also want to have a large vegetable garden - for the same reasons. Our attorney is currently drawing up the contract and we will set a time to sign the papers and pay for the property. The money is ready, in the States, to be sent over. Again, thank-you, donors!
Property Purchase Finalized with Village Headman
Any Good Reports, Kudos, Bon Mots...
...and your name, of course!
Please leave your comments and kind thoughts for me here :-)
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- Donnette Donnette Aug 30, 2009 @ 1:29 am
- Great Lens, 5 star rating, and have lensrolled to my health related lenses, which deal with Meningitis, AIDS, Orphans
Outreach Africa
Aiden, My Son
FADAO
Thank you for sharing :)
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- poddys poddys Feb 15, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
- Terrific lens and in a great cause. 5***** well deserved. I love the photos.
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- Cajean Cajean Dec 6, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
- O-o-o-h...thank you Squid Angel, BDKZ, for my special blessing and your kind words! I just love being surprised by these angelic visitations. :-)
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- bdkz bdkz Dec 6, 2008 @ 11:20 am
- This is an amazing lens! 5 Stars and a Squid Angel Blessing!
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- anna_michaels anna_michaels Nov 24, 2008 @ 3:30 am
- Great project! Welcome to the Something Can be Done About it Group!
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- anna_michaels anna_michaels Nov 24, 2008 @ 3:30 am
- Great project! Welcome to the Something Can be Done About it Group!
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- daidamia daidamia Nov 24, 2008 @ 1:36 am
- Hi,
The lens is good and it is also very interesting. I hope this kind of lens are very useful. A big 5star for your lens.
Feel free to checkout my the afterschoolhelp blog.
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- AslanBooks AslanBooks Nov 21, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
- A very nice lens. I have featured it on my lens about Maria Sue Chapman, adopted Chinese daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman. She was tragically killed in a car accident in May 2008. You can read more about her at http://www.squidoo.com/mariasuechapman.
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- Steff Steff Nov 21, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
- God's hand can certainly be seen in this wonderful work. All glory to Him!
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- Comfortdoc Comfortdoc Nov 16, 2008 @ 11:11 am
- Welcome to the HIV / AIDS Awareness Group. You've done a great job in helping to get the word out on this cause.
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