When their land was sold for redevelopment, villagers in Malawi were taken by truck for resettlement in another region, one that lacked any infrastructure—houses, schools, hospitals, markets—everything that makes a community.
Years of hard work, faith and resiliency have helped the seven small villages of Funwe become a place that people can call home. But there are many things still missing, including the resources to grow crops.
Mother and children in Funwe
“Our major problem is hunger. A person is only able to work when he has eaten,” says Chala, the village headman. “We don't have enough food in this area.”
The United Nations estimates that 791 million people in developing countries are undernourished—that's one in eight people.
World Food Day is held on October 16 every year to raise awareness of hunger and inspire change. The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory recognizes World Food Day and aims to help those affected by food insecurity in a holistic and sustainable way.
Major Gillian Brown, director of world missions, with Funwe village leaders
“When I visited Funwe, the village chiefs asked if we could partner with them, to give them hope and help them regain their dignity—that's what every community wants,” says Major Gillian Brown, director of world missions. “We are privileged to come alongside, to ensure that basic needs are met when a disaster happens, and to provide the tools needed to set families back on their feet with dignity.”
The Army has put a sustainable agricultural plan into action in the Funwe villages that provides fertilizer, maize seeds and training for farmers. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that the people of Funwe are food secure and have sustainable income.
The needs are great in developing countries and The Salvation Army continues to provide support, whether it's distributing emergency food after a natural disaster or training a farmer in how to grow crops.
For more information or to donate, contact the world missions office at 416-422-6224.
Patricia Eady is the resource media co-ordinator for the world missions department.
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Mother and children in Funwe
Major Gillian Brown, director of world missions, with Funwe village leaders
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