Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has unveiled results of its research, shedding light on the numerous challenges faced by people with disabilities during disasters such as floods.

Speaking inside Zodiak's Sunrise Malawi program on Monday, CARD's Executive Director, Melton Luhanga, revealed such groups  are often left out of crucial risk reduction programs, exacerbating their vulnerability in times of crisis. 

Luhanga highlighted a stark reality that many people with disabilities struggle to access early warning information during disasters. This was evident during this year's Cyclone Freddy, which extremely affected persons with disabilities.

As a response to the outcry, a consortium comprised of Christian Blind Mission, with CARD at its helm, alongside the Federation of Disability Organisations of Malawi and the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA), with funding from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) is set to launch an innovative program. Titled "Enhancing disability inclusive disaster risk reduction capacities and strengthening resilience against climate related disasters," this initiative will kick off on August 29th, 2023, at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre.

In a remarkable stride towards enhancing the well-being of Cyclone Freddy-affected households in Mulanje, TA Njema, the Churches Action in Relief and Development, with funding from Christian Aid, has initiated an extensive relief effort under the Post Cyclone Freddy Recovery project.

This unprecedented initiative, unveiled on a sunny Saturday, saw the distribution of essential resources crucial for survival. With unwavering determination, the project is set to combat food and shelter scarcity head-on by providing a lifeline to those affected.

As part of our mission to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities, the initiative distributed an array of vital resources. Maize seed, bean seed, and vegetable seed were handed out to empower families to grow their own sustenance. This empowering gesture is a crucial step towards ensuring food security in the region.

In a nation where opportunities are scarce, particularly for girls in rural areas, a beacon of hope has emerged. The Girls Get Equal project, a collaborative effort between the Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) and Plan International, with funding from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation,  is lighting the path to empowerment in three districts across Malawi. This transformative initiative targets young men, women, and girls, igniting their potential through vocational training and economic activities that align with market demands.

Today, we shine a spotlight on the inspiring journey of Patrick Chapima, 23, and Margaret Mulamba, 24, both hailing from the heart of T/A Nkhulambe in Phalombe district. These two dynamic individuals embarked on their transformative journey with CARD in 2021. In just a year, their dedication bore fruit as they graduated and decided to combine their strengths, establishing a workshop specializing in welding and fabrication at the bustling Nkhulambe trading center in Phalombe district.

What an extraordinary day it was at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds for the 19th National Agriculture Fair, on Thursday, where Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) showcased its remarkable commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development in Malawi.

This remarkable event, organized in partnership with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture, is being held at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds under the inspiring theme of "Achieving Self-Reliance through Agricultural Commercialization" and will continue until Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Blantyre.
The fairgrounds buzzed with admiration as CARD presented its array of products, including the delectable bananas, fish, tomatoes, onions, the beloved Dzaleka peanut butter and the game changing Biofrass and Dzaleka fertilizer among others. These products are a testament to CARD's commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development in Malawi.