Attending Events
Anyone wishing to attend an event should contact the Hon Secretary for further details using the contact form on the Contact page.
There is no charge to attend the events but we suggest that a donation of £10 (minimum) per head should be made to the Charitable Trust Fund to help fund our project activities in Malawi.
FOMA Treasurer
The Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA) wishes to appoint a new Honorary Treasurer
The Honorary Treasurer will be responsible for:
- keeping the accounts of FOMA and its associated charity the FOMA Charitable Trust Fund.
- being an authorised signatory of their bank accounts and be the main contact with FOMA’s bankers
- will prepare the annual accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission
- will make payments consistent with the organisation’s Trust Deed
- will liaise as necessary with the Charity Commission and HMRC
- liaise with FOMA’s Grants Coordinator regarding review of grant proposals and payments of grants
- will undertake such other duties as are agreed with the other Trustees.
FOMA has around 300 members and an annual turnover of about £3,000, most of which is passed on to the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund makes up to 20 grants for projects in Malawi each year totalling £10-20,000. The Committee meets twice a year, and FOMA up to three times (in most cases online).
The required time commitment is of the order of 1-3 hours a month.
If you are interested and would like to discuss the role, please email sec.foma@gmail.com FAO Simon Broadbent.
Luso Langa Community Organisation
2024 project summary
A grant of £1000 to support the rehabilitation of non-functional boreholes at Muonekera primary school and surrounding community of Chipoka in Salima District.
Cannon Chenjezi, Director at Luso Langa, stated that the project aimed to restore non-functional boreholes in Chipoka, Traditional Authority Ndindi. The area reported many cholera cases in the 2023/2024 outbreak so was a priority to bring back clean water to the communities and school. Repairing 3 boreholes and installing 1 handpump has benefited about 300 households (an estimated population of 1700) with a safe water supply within the community.
As part of the project five Village Water and Sanitation Committees were established and trained in the management and maintenance of the boreholes to ensure they remain working in the future.
Ndi Moyo Palliative Care Centre
2024 Project Summary
A £1000 grant to support the refitting of a clinic room for HIV testing and construction of an incinerator at the Ndi Moyo Palliative Care Centre in Salima.
Helen Cox, Chair of Ndi Moyo UK, explained that with the provision of a dedicated HIV testing room at the clinic, the clinic would be able to provide on-site testing to patients, their relatives and the population of Salima meaning people could be tested and treated sooner.
This project is underway – we received this update from Anastasia, Nurse at Ndi Moyo, who stated ‘we are thrilled to announce the launch of HIV Testing Services (HTS) at Ndi Moyo Palliative Care Centre’. This new service is a testament to our commitment to providing holistic care to our patients and their families. Previously Ndi Moyo has referred patients to other clinics but now two members of the clinical team are trained in HIV testing and counselling service and will be providing a confidential, stigma-free care.
Ndi Moyo is thankful for FOMA for the timely financial support which helped us buy resources to furnish the HTS room. These include simple items such as chairs for the waiting area, notice boards, a table and a significant part of the cost of an incinerator.
JECON Church
2024 Project Summary
A grant of £1000 to support the rehabilitation of solar panels at Ndemera Health centre, Nsanje District, in order to re-establish electricity supply and pumped water for the facility.
Linnet Matope, Director with JECON Church, explained that the health centre is in a very rural location and is not connected to the national grid. Electricity therefore has to be provided by solar panels but these were damaged in the heavy rains and strong winds caused by Cyclone Freddy. The health centre has been operating with out a power supply and only relying on candles and hurricane lamps, but with health care services are disrupted people at being placed at risk.
This project is underway – please check back soon for an update!
Caring for Persons with Disabilities (CAPDI)
2024 Project Summary
A grant of £960 to support the construction of raised toilets at Chawe Primary School, Chiradzulu District.
Sungani Chitandale, Programmes Officer with CAPDI explained that this project aims to enhance accessibility to appropriate sanitation facilities for learners with disabilities. By constructing raised toilet blocks with handrails and ramps, students with physical disabilities will benefit from improve hygiene, and contribute to an inclusive learning environment.
COMFOTS
2024 Project Summary
A grant of £1000 to support the construction of two learning shelters at Mtaza Primary school, T/A Kabuduli, Nkhata Bay.
Samual Thauzeni, Director at COMFOTS stated that a lack of classroom blocks at the school means many classes are conducted in grass thatched shelters or trees which compromises basic quality education. The local community will be assisting in the project providing bricks, sand and water for the construction of new learning blocks.
This project is underway – we recently received the photos below showing the purchase of construction materials and community made bricks ready to start building. Check back soon for an update!
Youth Congress for Development and Social Progress (YOCODESOP)
2024 Project Summary
A grant of £1000 to support the installation of a community water purification system in Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Dudu Amisi, Director at YOCODESOP explained that many residents rely on contaminated water sources, leading to frequent waterborne illnesses. This project will involve purchasing and installing a water filtration system, training community members on its maintenance, and promoting hygiene practices. The project aims to significantly reduce health risks and improve the overall well-being of the camp’s residents.
This project is underway – we recently received an update stating the water tank is installed and awaiting connection. Please check back soon for an update!
Step Up
2024 Project Update
A £935 grant to purchase physiotherapy equipment for the volunteer therapists working with Step Up to use in treating children with physical disabilities.
Samuel Ulili, Physiotherapist and Founder at Step Up leads the team of volunteers. He stated the main aims of the project were to expand Step Up’s reach by acquiring essential rehabilitation equipment. The specialised tools will help to improve the quality of care for over 40 children with disabilities, fostering their independence and supporting participation in family and community activities.
Using the grant, the team were able to purchase a range of tools including adduction blocks and therapy balls, standing frames, walking frames, an adapted chair, wheelchair, parallel bars and lumbar supports.
“Before we had this equipment, we relied heavily on manual techniques,” said one of the therapists. “It was physically demanding, and progress was slower because we couldn’t provide the specialized support that some children needed. Now, tools like the posterior walker allow us to focus on building strength, balance, and coordination with greater efficiency.” Another physiotherapist shared their thoughts, stating, “seeing a child take their first steps with the support of proper equipment is a moment we live for. It’s not just about making our work easier; it’s about helping these children achieve milestones we once thought would take years.”
February 2025: Community grants awarded
The FOMA Trustees have recently approved 11 new community projects. These will be carried out by CorpsAfrica volunteers working within their placement communities and include renovations to Under 5 health clinics and community centres, installation of solar irrigation, construction of school toilets, classrooms and purchase of school desks.
Please check the Project Pages for updates and photos soon!
FOMA AGM – September 2025
The AGM will be held on Saturday 20th September at 2.00pm online.
Following an update on FOMA over the past year and re-election of the committee, the Grant Coordinator will present a report FOMA’s current funded projects.