Who We Are & Why We Are Needed

ABOUT THE VIDEO
“Angels” was written and sung by Brenda Burch, Nurture Our World’s Chief Corporate Advisor, and video editing by David Kipp M.D., Chief Information Officer.

These precious children in the video, touched our lives on our visits to Malawi.  We hope they will capture your hearts as well and create in you a desire to join us as a donor, and become a Nurture Our World “Angel”.

 
Malawi is facing dire needs in several critical areas.

• Over 1.2 Million Orphans  This is one of the highest orphan rates in the Sub-Saharan Africa region
• Malnutrition  63 percent of children under 5 are anemic, as are 33 percent of women
• Medical Care Crisis  It is estimated the 22 district hospitals alone need 3,850 nurses, of which there are only 500 nurses. 
• Lack of Education  Only 51% of girls in Malawi complete primary school. Students have to pay for school after 8th grade.  Most don’t have the funds.
• Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation  4 million people continue to lack access to safe drinking water. 
• Extreme Poverty  70% or more of the population live in poverty, 72% live on less than $2.15 a day. 
• Devestation of Cyclone Freddy  Click on the box above for detailed information on this catastrophic storm.

An “Unacceptable” Situation

There are over 1.2 million orphans in Malawi

A great majority of these orphans and other vulnerable children suffer depression, increased malnutrition, lower rates of immunizations, lower rates of schooling, homelessness, and exposure to HIV infection.

Over 1/2 million children suffer from acute severe malnutrition

 In 2024, child malnutrition in Malawi reached alarming levels.

• 44,573 children under age five were admitted for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)—a life-threatening condition that causes extreme wasting and puts children at immediate risk of death.

• An additional 38,963 children were admitted for moderate wasting, requiring urgent nutrition support to prevent worsening health and irreversible damage.

These increases are attributed to factors such as El Niño-induced climatic shocks, including floods and prolonged dry spells, which have led to a significant decline in food security across Malawi. In March 2024, a state of disaster was declared in 23 of the country’s 28 districts due to these challenges .UNICEF+1

Medical care is among the worst in the world!

Malawi’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, particularly in staffing and infrastructure:

• Nursing Shortage: The country’s 22 district hospitals require approximately 3,850 nurses, yet only 500 are currently available, leading to a critical gap in patient care.

• Physician Density: As of 2022, Malawi had 0.49 physicians per 1,000 people, equating to roughly 1 doctor for every 2,040 individuals. This is among the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios globally, severely limiting access to medical professionals. World Population Review

• Healthcare Infrastructure: The nation has approximately 1.3 hospital beds per 1,000 people, indicating limited capacity to accommodate patients, especially during health crises.

• Impact of Natural Disasters: Events like Cyclone Freddy in 2023 devastated healthcare facilities, particularly in southern Malawi, further straining the already limited resources. Human Rights Watch

These factors contribute to a healthcare system under immense pressure, affecting the delivery of essential services and the well-being of the population.

Lack of Education is a major problem!

Education Challenges in Malawi

Education is a fundamental right, yet many children in Malawi face significant barriers that hinder their ability to learn and thrive.

Primary Education

• Access vs. Completion: While primary education is officially free, hidden costs such as uniforms, examination fees, and school supplies make it inaccessible for many families. Wikipedia

• Completion Rates: As of 2023, the primary school completion rate stands at 48%, falling short of the 54% target and indicating a decline from previous years.

Secondary Education

• Financial Barriers: Secondary education, beginning at 9th grade, requires payment of tuition fees, purchase of uniforms, and other associated costs. These expenses are prohibitive for most, especially orphans and children from low-income families.

• Completion Rates: In 2023, only 22.3% of students completed secondary education, with a notable gender disparity: 24% for boys and 20.6% for girls.

Additional Challenges

• Resource Shortages: Many schools lack basic infrastructure, including adequate classrooms, desks, and learning materials.

• Teacher Shortages: There is an acute shortage of qualified teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms and diminished quality of education.

• Long Distances: Students often have to travel long distances to reach the nearest school, which can be a deterrent, especially for girls due to safety concerns.

Our Commitment

A Growing Legacy of Opportunity

At Nurture Our World, we believe that education changes everything. That’s why we’ve walked hand-in-hand with students on their journey to a brighter future.

• We’ve proudly supported 18 secondary school graduates—young men and women who might never have stepped into a classroom beyond 8th grade.

• Today, we are actively sponsoring 6 secondary school students and 4 college students who are continuing their education against all odds.

But the need is great, and new sponsors are desperately needed.
Just $200 covers an entire 10-week term, providing a student with tuition, required uniforms, exam fees, and basic supplies.

Without this support, most of these children—especially orphans—would be forced to drop out, ending their dreams before they even begin.

💛 Your Help Can Rewrite Their Future

When you sponsor a student, you’re not just paying for school—
You’re unlocking hope. You’re building leaders. You’re lifting an entire generation.

At Nurture Our World, we are dedicated to:

• Providing School Supplies: Ensuring that children have the necessary materials to participate fully in their education.

• Supporting Secondary Education: Offering scholarships and financial assistance to cover tuition fees and associated costs. 

• Improving Infrastructure: Collaborating with communities to build and renovate school facilities, creating conducive learning environments.

• Advocating for Girls’ Education: Implementing programs that specifically address the barriers faced by girls, promoting gender equality in education.

Together, we can transform the educational landscape in Malawi, one child at a time.

 4 million people lack access to safe drinking water. 

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge in Malawi, particularly in rural communities:

• Limited Access: Only 10% of rural Malawians have access to safe drinking water, compared to 52% in urban areas. UNICEF

• Time-Consuming Collection: In rural areas, 37% of households spend 30 minutes or more to fetch drinking water, often from unsafe sources. UNICEF

• Health Risks: Over 60% of Malawi’s population relies on drinking water contaminated with bacteria, contributing to over 50% of the country’s disease burden. envirotecmagazine.com

Cyclone Freddy’s Devastating Impact

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy exacerbated the water crisis:

• Submerged Boreholes: The cyclone submerged 918 boreholes, compromising water quality and leaving approximately 944,784 people without access to safe water and sanitation services. scotland-malawipartnership.org+1OCHA+1

• Collapsed Latrines: A total of 90,809 latrines collapsed, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera. scotland-malawipartnership.org

Nurture Our World’s Commitment

At Nurture Our World, we are dedicated to:

• Rehabilitating Boreholes: Restoring access to clean water by repairing and maintaining water sources.

• Providing Water Purification Solutions: Distributing water purification tablets and filters to ensure immediate access to safe drinking water.

• Community Education: Educating communities on hygiene practices to prevent disease spread.

  Your Support Can Make a Difference

  💧Every donation helps us bring clean, safe water to those in desperate need. Together, we can transform lives and build healthier communities.

Malawi, has the fourth highest percentage of people living in extreme poverty in the world.

Extreme Poverty: A Daily Reality for Millions

Malawi remains one of the poorest countries globally, with over 70% of its population living on less than $2.15 per day, placing it among the top four nations with the highest extreme poverty rates. World Bank

This pervasive poverty is not just a statistic—it translates to daily struggles for basic necessities:

• Food Insecurity: Many families cannot afford sufficient meals, leading to widespread malnutrition.

• Educational Barriers: Children often drop out of school due to the inability to pay for uniforms, supplies, or tuition.

• Healthcare Access: Medical treatment is frequently out of reach, resulting in preventable illnesses and deaths.

• Inadequate Housing: Families live in substandard conditions, lacking clean water and sanitation.

The majority of Malawians rely on small-scale farming for their livelihoods. However, this sector is highly vulnerable to climate change, with frequent droughts and floods devastating crops and incomes. Human Rights Watch

Nurture Our World’s Commitment

At Nurture Our World, we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by:

• Supporting Education: Providing scholarships and school supplies to ensure children can attend and complete their education.

• Enhancing Healthcare: Facilitating access to medical services and health education.

• Improving Livelihoods: Assisting families in developing sustainable farming practices and alternative income sources.

Malawi suffered the most catastrophic consequences from Cyclone Freddy. 

Cyclone Freddy: Malawi’s Most Devastating Climate Disaster

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy struck southern Malawi, becoming the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded in the southern hemisphere. The storm unleashed torrential rains, powerful winds, and catastrophic flooding across 15 districts, leaving a trail of unprecedented destruction.  Partners In Health

Human Impact

• Fatalities: At least 1,216 people lost their lives, with hundreds more missing and presumed dead. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

• Injuries: Over 1,700 individuals sustained injuries.

• Displacement: More than 500,000 people were displaced, seeking refuge in temporary shelters and camps.

Infrastructure and Livelihoods

• Housing: Approximately 50,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving countless families homeless. Wikipedia

• Agriculture: Over 204,000 hectares of cropland were flooded or washed away, devastating the primary source of livelihood for many. Wikipedia

• Livestock: An estimated 194,500 animals perished, further impacting food security and income. Wikipedia

• Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and health facilities, suffered extensive damage, hindering access to essential services.

Health and Sanitation

• Water Sources: The cyclone submerged 918 boreholes, leaving over 1 million people without access to clean drinking water.

• Sanitation: Widespread damage to sanitation facilities increased the risk of waterborne diseases, exacerbating the existing cholera outbreak. PMC

Economic Impact

• Financial Loss: The total cost of damages and losses was estimated at $507 million, with recovery and reconstruction needs projected at $680 million. CARE Climate Change

Nurture Our World’s Response

At Nurture Our World, we are committed to aiding the recovery and building resilience in affected communities by:

• Rebuilding Homes: Assisting families in reconstructing safe and durable housing.

• Restoring Water Access: Repairing and rehabilitating boreholes to ensure access to clean water.

• Supporting Agriculture: Providing seeds, tools, and training to help farmers reestablish their livelihoods.

• Enhancing Health Services: Supplying medical equipment and supporting the restoration of health facilities.

💛 Join Us in Rebuilding Lives

Your support can make a tangible difference:

• $50 can provide emergency food supplies to a displaced family.

• $100 can help rehabilitate a borehole, restoring access to clean water.CARE Climate Change+2Al Jazeera+2FloodList+2

• $250 can supply farming inputs to a household, aiding in food security and income restoration.

Together, we can help Malawi recover from this devastating disaster and build a more resilient future.

The Primary Focus of Nurture Our World
Raising funds and developing resources that directly affect these areas of critical need for children in Malawi.