In July 2009, the Sussex partners travelled to Lilongwe to visit Samalani Orphan Care and Youth Organisation. The aims of this trip were primarily for the Samalani staff and Sussex partners to meet and form a relationship, as well as to learn more about the centre, discuss and work through the logistics and the future of the project and to present the education pack to the teachers. On arrival they were met with a warm welcome from both the students and teachers who had prepared dances, singing and drama for them. The chiefs of Area 23 were also present.

During the visit many things were accomplished:

Financial Training - training with the Financial Director of Samalani on how to read and make cashflow forecasts and statements; familiarisation of the Malawian team with how the financial tables and forecasts have been constructed.


Accountability and Impact Training - monitoring of the team’s accountability procedures, such as how templates had been filled in and monitoring of the receipts from purchases. Impact measures were also discussed and the Malawian team were presented with the impact questionnaires.


Support from Traditional Authorities - meetings with the chiefs and headmen of Area 23, securing their approval and support for the project. They will organise and be involved in a ‘graduation’ ceremony at the end of the vocational skills training period.


Potential Support from Local Business Colleges - Samson and some members from the UK team visited several business colleges with the hope of recruiting a student to do voluntary administrative work for the Project. A voluntary intern has been identified who will assist with advertising and marketing. Another responsibility would be to design a ‘graduation’ certificate for the students who complete the program and to advise and train the executive committee when neccesary.


Links with National Radio and Newspaper - meetings with employees working for 'Star Radio' and 'The Nation' newspaper, to do a special report on the work of Samalani. 'Star Radio', 'Zodiac Radio' and 'The Nation' newspaper will visit the project site to discuss what media coverage would be suitable.

Potential Partnership with Local Authority - potential connections were made with 'TEVETA', a local government body that gives official accreditation to informal vocational training. Meetings were made with the Curriculum Development Specialist of TEVETA, discussing a possible partnership with Samalani. TEVETA would provide additional training for members of the project as well as government recognised certification when the students complete particular modules, for example in the maintenance of sewing machines which will help the future employability of the project's 'graduates'.

CV Writing Workshop - a member of the UK team held a CV writing workshop with the students,  aimed at increasing the youth’s awareness of how to approach employers in a professional manner.


Possible Connections with other Charities Operating in Similar Area - the UK team have personal connections with a charity called 'Landirani', which is Chichewa for 'Please Receive'. Landirani works with orphans and vulnerable children in rural villages in the Lilongwe District to the north of Lilongwe City. Their principle aim is to increase the level of education in the area and enhance the ability of the community to become self-sufficient. Another organisation operating in this area is 'Africa Invest' who connect small-scale farming initiatives with larger markets. They seek to diversify crop production in order to secure higher profit margins. There is a possibility of connecting Samalani and other similar Community Based Organisations with Africa Invest in the future.


Promotional Film - a film is currently under production from footage collected during this visit.