Stories

Discover the inspiring stories of change and resilience from the communities we serve. From uplifting moments to the progress made possible by your support, our stories bring you closer to the impact you’re creating. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay connected and see these stories on all our platforms in real-time!

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~ from julie ~

🇲🇼 I’m currently visiting our projects and am in my little house, Chanju, in a small town near the community we serve. It’s a modest house on a shared property with a few fruit trees like mango, guava, and passion fruit. Several other humble dwellings also rent from the owner, and while the trees technically “belong” to the house I’m staying in, they are part of our shared space.

Years ago, I noticed kids from the property climbing the trees and picking the fruit long before it was ripe. 😳 I felt frustrated, wanting them to leave the fruit alone so I could at least taste one. I tried to explain that waiting for the fruit to ripen would benefit everyone. I even remember venting to Daniel about how unfair it felt that I couldn’t enjoy the fruit, especially since we don’t have trees like this back home, let alone on my property. Looking back, I didn’t fully understand what I was saying.

Over the years, Daniel has spoken to the kids many times about respecting property and leaving the fruit alone. But today, I was reminded of something much deeper. As someone gently said to me, “It is a matter of hunger, my friend.”

That hit me hard. In my ignorance, I had framed the situation through a lens of privilege. Yes, I might not have tropical fruit trees in my front yard in Toronto, but I can always buy mangos or guavas at the store, even if they are pricey! For these kids, though, it’s not about fruit. It’s about survival.

This reminder isn’t just humbling … it’s transformative. It’s why we’re here, why we do this work. It’s about understanding the realities of hunger, seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, and being willing to change our perspective.

#perspective #firstworldproblems #hunger #loveavillage

🎄 Help Us Make 2024 a Year of Hope for our village friends in Malawi! 🇲🇼

As we get ready to celebrate the upcoming season of giving, we’re reminded of the incredible resilience and joy of the children in Malawi. Behind their smiles, families continue to face the challenges of extreme poverty.

We’re almost there!!! To meet our 2024 budget, we need to raise the last $15,000. Together, we can do it! These are funds that will provide life-changing support like trainings, clean water, small businesses, and sustainable development programs for our villagers.

🌟 Your generosity today will transform lives tomorrow.

Every dollar counts. Let’s come together this holiday season and ensure these children have a brighter, more hopeful future.

📢 Donate now and be part of this life-changing mission 👉🏽 www.lavm.org/donate

#makingadifference #sustainability #loveavillage #poverty #christmasgiving #endofyeargiving

📻 Stay tuned!

These women are part of a youth club we are training in beekeeping. 🐝🍯

#youthempowerment #smallbusinessbigdreams #bees #beekeeping #honey #loveavillage #empowerment #sustainability #empoweringwomen

Finally, at 95 years old, Mr. Chawa has a pedestal to sit on when he uses the toilet. 🚽

#worldtoiletday #toilet #loveavillage #makingadifference #empowerment #sustainability

🚽💩 IT’S WORLD TOILET DAY!

Our expert Toilet-Slab-Technician / @nhlflames / @flamesfoundation Fan worked hard out in the sweltering sun to provide our sweet Gogo a pedestal toilet for his pit latrine. Taonga chomene Mr. Gondwe! 💕

#WorldToiletDay #pitlatrine #healthandhygiene #toilet #SustainableLiving #elderlycare #makingadifference #loveavillage #hockeyintheheat #hockey #calgaryflames

💩 HAPPY WORLD TOILET DAY! 🚽

Today, we are upgrading this 95-year young man’s pit latrine by adding a pedestal! 👴🏾

In developing countries like Malawi, pit latrines are the most common form of sanitation, but they lack features that promote good hygiene, comfort, and accessibility. Improving toilets like this is vital for enhancing public health, reducing the spread of disease, and ensuring dignity, especially for elderly individuals. 👵🏾👴🏾

#WorldToiletDay #pitlatrine #healthandhygiene #toilet #SustainableLiving #elderlycare #makingadifference #loveavillage

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Stories

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