Kondanani Malawi

Kondanani Foundation, Malawi

Kondanani in Malawi is an orphanage for children in the age of a couple of weeks to 8 years old. Hundreds of children are orphaned or abandoned in Malawi everyday. HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic levels. Mothers who have contracted HIV often die during child birth. Those that don't die, often abandon their children in the hope that they will be found by someone who will be able to care for them. The extended family, once so prevalent in the African culture, has been eroded due to poverty and HIV/AIDS.
This has left an enormous burden on those remaining. Kondanani, a non-governmental Christian organization, was established in November 1998 to offer hope to the orphaned children of Malawi by a Dutch Woman named Annie Chikhwaza.

Please visit the website for more information: www.kondanani.nl

My friend Rianne is closely related to Kondanani, please read her story:

“In february 2008, I had the opportunity to visit Kondanani in Malawi, an orphanage for children in the age of a couple of weeks to 8 years old. I was expecting an orphanage like most orphanages; a place where children are ‘kept’, children that are waiting to become old enough to live on their own. But Kondanani doesn’t keep children. It raises children like you and I were raised.  The people of Kondanani love these children and actually take good care of them. The children admitted are either affected or infected by the HIV/aids virus. Over the last 10 years, many children have, unfortunately, passed away as a consequence of their disease. During their lives they have benefited from the education and care that Kondanani provides. The Kondanani children that do not get sick stay at Kondanani until they have finished their education and are old enough to live on their own and provide for themselves.

When I arrived at Kondanani, the first thing I noticed was the fact that the premises where the children live, play and receive their education, are very beautiful and peaceful. In other words, the area where the Kondanani children grow up is a very pleasant place. The children seem to be very happy as you hear laughter and singing everywhere!

My aunt, Mrs Annie Chikhwaza, allowed me to play with the older children, hold the babies in the Clinique, and take a look in their school. The children gave me a grand tour and showed me the pigs and cows that they look after and sell their produce to local villagers. I also was able to help with organizing a fashion show. The ladies (girls) had made ponchos and wanted to show them to everyone. It was great fun to see these girls giggling and being proud of their work. All children follow a schooling program that is tailor-made. Next to having subjects like mathematics and computer skills, they also learn how to play musical instruments and how to cook. Every child is looked upon as an individual with its specific needs and talents.

The 150 children that are currently admitted will grow up to be independent, clever children with a solid background.  Only a new generation of healthy and clever children will be able to break the chain of poverty in Malawi. These children will grow up to be doctors and teachers, which will help to make Malawi a strong(er) country. Please make this possible by helping Kondanani to love, educate and care for Malawi’s next generation.