Empowering Children in Malawi

As you may know, Shari Kirkland and Dawn Fairbanks went to Malawi in September 2024. It was a fabulous trip and, long story short, they ended up adopting a primary school in Bongera Village in the Mchinji District of Malawi. They were amazed to see the conditions under which the children (over 600 in the school) were expected to learn: without desks, sitting on dirt floors, with 90 students to every teacher, and without books. Despite the absence of essentials all approached education with a spirit of expectation and grace. The teachers spoke to Dawn and Shari of their wish list to better enable them to deliver the best opportunity to the children, since primary school is the only education provided by the government. That means that after the age of 13, children have no more opportunity for formal education unless their families can pay for it. We left the school feeling that something must be done. And unlike the bureaucracy that we face in the US, the remedy for it is simple…money. Here are their needs:

Electricity, updated latrines, paper, books, pens and pencils, clean cool drinking water, desks.

The Chief of the village and principal administrator of the school, Mr. Laurence Tenthani, soon became their good friend. He has been in this position for several years, and has addressed many of the challenges, including improving the safety of the school by replacing thatched roofs with those of tin.

Below you will see Shari signing the visitor's registration that morning. Dawn is addressing the parent-teacher gathering and giving the school a token gift of paper, pens, and other school items.

Shari and Dawn were then introduced to Patrick, teacher and administrator at Mbingwa School. You can see the video of the classroom below. There are 90 children and one teacher in the class.

Providing the essentials, our first project.

In September 2024 when Shari and Dawn first visited Mbingwa School, the school had one latrine for hundreds of students, teachers, faculty, and volunteer parents. The first project began in January 2025, when the construction of six new latrines began.

This was the only latrine for six hundred students, teachers and staff.

Constructing six new latrines

Early steps in construction

Latrine construction began with digging two holes, then building brick supports. A cover is added after this step.

Construction provided jobs in the community.

Children's books are purchased March 22, 2024

In this era of struggle to maintain hope, we have an opportunity to reach outside of our bubble to make a real impact. So, we are asking you to donate to our cause. Our registration as a 501c3 charitable organization was approved in December 2024. Join us in supporting Mbingwa School in Malawi. Your donations help provide essential resources like books, latrines, and electricity, ensuring girls can continue their education. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and empower future generations.

We are pleased to announce our approval for IRS tax exempt 501c3 status!
Should you need a copy of the 501c3 approval letter, it can be provided upon request.

Checks may be written to the Mbingwa School Charitable Foundation

Please reply to:

Dawn Fairbanks, 12006 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 94611
– or –
Shari Kirkland, 4740 Grass Valley Road, Oakland 94605

Dawn (510) 495-4565 dawn.fairbanks@gmail.com
Shari (510) 798-3525 sharigreenvalley@yahoo.com

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Reach out to support Mbingwa School's educational initiatives in Malawi.