MCV School

Malawi Children's Village

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Solace’s work with the Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) has been a very successful example of capacity building. Funding and supervision of construction for the campus expansion, donations from other organizations, and income from businesses at the school have made the campus nearly self-sufficient. The campus, its programs, and its clinics are managed by MCV staff, and include new expansions of dorms, classrooms, and vocational programs.

Costs/Finances:

• Initial classroom construction costs: $60,000

• Boy’s Dorm and Meeting Hall: A large building across the street from MCV. Final construction costs: $60,000

• Land Purchase (16 acres) of which half is leased for 30 years to Solace for the Mangochi fish farm and the home for Ayub and family: $12,000

• Dorothy Byrne school expansion:  Additional 3 classrooms at MCV campus.

Current State:

The ramshackle buildings first seen by Nate York have been transformed into a beautiful sprawling campus.

Projected Benefits:

The vocational schools and dorms are home to over 400 students during the school year.

Income Generating and Training Programs:

• Carpentry, cabinetry, and furniture

• Auto Repair

• Tailoring

• Masonry

• Basic computing

• Maize farming (with some profit from sale of surplus)

• Poultry production

• Student fees from locals attending vocational programs

Challenges:

The school's success has created a need for greater organization and management practices and unfortunately, in some developing countries, corruption and handouts are expected and Malawi in no exception.  Solace's sustainable approach to ending hunger and poverty - is not temporary relief. It's not a handout. It's securing a future with generations of people who have hope, health and dignity.