Sustainable Farming: Relieve Hunger in East Africa

Our team in Malawi has been working on putting together a biochar training program for the Mikuyu Prison Farm in Zomba, Malawi for a few years.  The prison grows as much of its own food as possible. Both inmates and officials joined in the training.

Sylvester G. Chiweza, our Project Leader in Malawi submitted this report about the experience:

"On last Friday, September 24, 2021, we had our first Biochar Training at Mikuyu Prison Farm. The training involved both indoor and outdoor activities. We started with theory in the morning and practical in the afternoon.

The training was graced by Dr. Steven Machado who came all the way from the US, as our guest of honor and later issued certificates of participation to all trainees. 

We also had incredible support through facilitation of the presentation by Mr. Charles Sokoso from Village in Partnerships.

I also wish to thank my team leaders; Pilirani Makuru for taking us through her presentation on How do I make Biochar, George Petrol and Francis Abel for taking us through practical ways of making Biochar using TLUD and Trench respectively

Mr. Alexander is a senior officer from Zomba Maximum Prison who championed organization of this training at Mikuyu1 Prison Farm. I give much appreciation to Mr. Alexander for his tremendous work, passion, and resilience towards this training. Mr. Alexander has been in touch with our Director, Sr. Miriam for the past 3 years. He never gave up for his people. Today, we are witnessing our successful onsite physical training.

George Petro and Francis Abel have a big passion towards changing the livelihood of our communities, strengthening adaptation and resilience to climate change through the use of Biochar. Even if they're busy with personal work, they always make themselves available for any activities organized by Warm Heart Malawi. Am very proud of their zealous and hardworking spirit." 

This is such a great opportunity in so many ways. The Department of Justice loved it because the prisoners grow their own food, and their farm can benefit from the biochar.  They sent reps from all the area prisons. We loved it because the prisoners who garden will be released soon and will take their experience with biochar with them back to their home communities, where they can teach their neighbors.

Our team in Malawi thanks you for your continuing support to help spread biochar training across Africa.

P.S.  When Sister Miram Paulette first contacted Warm Heart years ago, one of the reasons Michael replied to her email was because he knew about the music from the Zomba prison.  See the links below for the story of how the music was collected and how to support the music.

Links:

• Support the beautiful music from Zomba Prison
• Story of the Grammy nomination and the music collection