World Connect

Strengthening Fumbe CBO Through Empowerment

Year: 2020

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Economic Opportunity

Project Investment: $3,902.05

Project Launch: 1-6-20

The Fumbe Community Organization will renovate a community hall which is hired out for meetings and other activities. The structure will be equiped with running water, electricity, and a brick fence. This will allow the community organization to increase the rental fee for the space to generate more revenue. The funds generated through hiring of the hall will be used to improve the health and nutrition of individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS and the literacy of vulnerable populations, especially orphans.

Project Update: 4-28-20

Launched in January 2020, the Fumbe Community Organization has purchased additional land which will be used to increase space for community activities. The construction of the fence around the perimeter is underway and will be completed by end of May 2020. The community center has new windows and the electricity wiring is completed. They now await connection from Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi. Once the center is open, they will begin generating income to support vulnerable populations in the community.

Final Report: 1-31-21

With a $3,902.05 World Connect grant, members of Fumbe Community Based Organization led by Beatrice Mateyo have renovated the CBO structure by installing new windows, plastering and painting the walls as well as wiring the building in readiness to install electricity. Using the grant funds, the team bought building materials and land which has helped create more space around the CBO. The renovation of the CBO has also added value to the structure which is now being used as a hall for hiring, an ART center for the community which serves about 45 people (22 women, 23 men), and a community library for 500 pupils around the area. The installation of water at the CBO has also improved sanitation in the area as 50 households now have access to clean tap water. The CBO has elevated the sense of community amongst community members as well has become an income source for the members who hire it out for various activities in the community.