A multitude of Malawian families live in typical village dwellings, built with mud bricks, a dirt floor and a grass thatched roof, requiring frequent repairs.
The majority of the population lives in such dwellings, which tend to collapse with the advent of extreme weather conditions, causing injuries, illness - due to extended exposure to damp and cold during rainy seasons - and even death.
Poverty plays a massive role in their plight as they continue to live in these conditions with no hope of improving their standard of living.
Gift of the Givers constructs standard housing for the most vulnerable individuals and families in Malawi, inclusive of the disabled, orphans, female-headed families, the elderly and families with chronically ill members.
This initiative was implemented in response to the need to house displaced families, victims of Cyclone Idai, and has developed into a fully-fledged project.
The brick housing approach eliminates structural hazards posed by unstable mud and grass structures and provides adequate space and protection. In view of this, recipients are able to live safe and comfortable lives, with one less stressor to worry about and so enabling them to focus their energy on other critical issues, such as food security, health and education.
This structurally sound housing provides a permanent and long-term solution to vulnerable Malawi families, preserving human dignity and uplifting family and community life.
