Recently the number of cases of COVID-19 in Malawi have increased significantly.  This has led to the government closing all schools for 3 weeks from 18 January and putting restrictions on gatherings.  Our women's groups are able to continue working as long as they disinfect the rooms every week, work in smaller groups and make sure the handwashing facilites are available at the entrances.

Lotus Project update:
Chisombezi School – was completed before Christmas with 575 girls receiving packs and training as well as mothers, boys and staff, toilet block and changing rooms built and mothers group trained.
Chikanga School – also completed before Christmas with 76 girls receiving packs and training as well as mothers and boys.
Ntenjera School – work was due to start here in January with a visit to the school and then training for the girls beginning. Heavy rains made the roads impassable in early January and now the schools are closed so this will have to wait until the school reopens.  Meanwhile the Chanasa grousp are continuing to make Lotus packs. About 540 packs are needed, the school is about 20km north of Blantyre near Lunzu.  Ntenjera School needs a new toilet/changing room block and applications for grants for money for this have been made and we are waiting to hear if we have been successful.