THE 2020 M3 CONFERENCE

THE M3 PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Pothawira (Safe Haven) Christian Mission Organization
Malawi

The Problem

Malawi is one of the poorest, least developed and impoverished countries in the world. Almost 53% of its 19 million inhabitants live below the poverty line with a GDP of only $1,000 per year compared to the GDP in the United States at $62,000 per year. Many families struggle to afford the basic needs of life such as food, clean water, healthcare and clothing, along with quality education and financial security.

The Mission

Pothawira (Safe Haven) Christian Mission Organization’s mission is to transform Malawi by serving the community through a holistic approach that meets both physical and spiritual needs. Pothawira focuses on serving the community of Salima by providing healthcare, orphan care, education and sustainable economic development.

The Solution

Pothawira was created to be a local faith based Non–Governmental Organization designed to complement government and other stakeholder’s efforts to mitigate the maternal, neonatal and under-five children morbidity and mortality. Pothawira’s goal is to help alleviate poverty and suffering through a holistic approach that provides individuals, especially women and children, with the opportunity to live, dream and achieve their full potential. As a result, Pothawira partners with multiple non-profit organizations to provide a community village that includes an orphanage, a medical clinic, a primary school and a church.

The Impact

Today, Pothawira (Safe Haven) is thriving. The medical clinic sees 3,500-4,000 patients a month. Pothawira Academy educates over 300 students in the surrounding community. The education received at Pothawira Academy has resulted in forty children graduating to high school, college and technical training schools. Currently, two high school students are completing their education in the United States and are scheduled to graduate in May 2020. Recently, a birthing center has been added to the community village. Soon, Pothawira is looking forward to providing a women’s shelter and a high school to the community.