© 2007 AID AFRICA  UK Registered Charity Number 1116336

In 2004, David and Lynda Mills, an ordinary middle-aged couple from Norfolk, UK, visited this region for a fortnight en route to Mozambique. The impact on them was so profound that they decided to return in 2005 and spend a further 4 months there.

 

During that time, Open Hand Projects - AID AFRICA’s local working title - was born, and is now officially  registered in Malawi as an FBO (Faith-Based Organisation) Dave & Lynda share a vibrant Christian faith with many supporters in the UK and Africa

Chatting with Village Headmen, it became obvious that hunger was their biggest problem, with the more vulnerable members of their communities at greatest risk. Communities generally work together to help each other, but the poverty here  was so acute that there was little to share.

So Open Hand Projects established

Community Agri-Gardens, growing maize and vegetables, to feed the poor. We supplied seed, fertilizer, pesticide and eventually agricultural advice and training – volunteers worked the "Gardens" and 100% of the harvest was freely given to the most vulnerable in the villages.

Offices were set up in two areas of southern Malawi – our main base  in Chiringa, Phalombe, and the other in Muona, Nsanje.  It’s about a day’s drive between, mostly on heavily damaged roads, which make all travelling both challenging, and expensive in constant car repairs.

David and Lynda personally spend many months in Malawi each year, checking progress, supervising, planning and implementing community-relevant projects. Open Hand Project staff monitor between trips.We are currently in partnership with over 600 local volunteers, and work alongside government advisers and local leaders.

Many hundreds in our target group - orphans, the elderly, disabled & chronically sick - have been fed from these “Gardens”.