The charity’s supporters will be well aware of the many projects the Lifeline Fund has in Malawi at the moment, saving hundreds if not thousands of vulnerable young lives. The organisation set up and regularly checks in on numerous orphan day-care schemes and schools for children, as well as helping disabled, elderly and vulnerable people in the most isolated parts of impoverished Malawi.
But how did it all begin?
The Lifeline Fund’s most successful and inspiring initiative was also their first – the Namisu Orphan Village. Work started on this flagship project back in 1999, after founder and charity coordinator John R. Searle visited Malawi and saw first-hand how difficult life was for orphans in Malawi.
Dubbed ‘the orphan problem’ by some, large numbers of children in Malawi are left completely alone after their relatives die from AIDs or other diseases because healthcare facilities are so poor. Seeing this desperate situation, Mr Searle immediately set up the Lifeline Fund, using generous funding and support from a well-known water coolers company.
The Namisu Orphan Village – located in an isolated spot where orphaned children were most in need of help – was built using the hard work and dedication of local people and volunteers. From just one borehole and simple structures made from hand-fired bricks; the Village has gone from strength to strength. The project now helps over 1,000 vulnerable children and adults.
