Chipalanje CBCC Cultivates Food and Aids Caregivers with Support from CRECCOM

Chipalanje CBCC committee members proudly show their 2-acre farm, where they grow maize, groundnuts, and soya beans to feed the children.

The community at Chipalanje Community Based Childcare Centre (CBCC) in the area of Group Village Headman (GVH) Chipalanje in Chitipa has found a way to feed their children and support the caregivers, thanks to support from CRECCOM.

CRECCOM supported the CBCC by training the committee and caregivers on effective CBCC management, conducting local play material production sessions, and donating additional play materials.

Martha Kanyika, who is the chairperson for the CBCC, says after the trainings, they started farming maize, groundnuts, and soya beans so that they could make porridge for the children at the centre. She says the idea came because many children were coming to school hungry, and some were even staying at home.

Martha Kanyika, Chairperson of Chipalanje CBCC Committee, shares how the community came together to support the centre.

“We sat down as a community and told our Group Village Head. He called for a meeting and we all agreed that these are our children, and we must do something to help them stay in school,” Kanyika says.

Since then, they have been farming on two acres of land. Everything they harvest will be used to make porridge for the children.

The community also thought about the caregivers, who work as volunteers. Together with parents, they agreed that every month, each family would contribute and raise MK14,000 to help pay the two caregivers a small amount to keep them motivated. They also take turns helping the caregivers on their personal farms.

One of the caregivers, Chipiliro Banda, says this has made a big difference. “It feels good to know that people appreciate what we do,” she says.

Chipiliro Banda, one of the caregivers at Chipalanje CBCC, says community support has made a big difference for them.

The CBCC now has 45 learners (26 girls and 19 boys). Thanks to the farming, community support, and teamwork, the centre is helping children learn better and stay in school.

This is part of the Let Girls Learn II project by CRECCOM, supported by Echidna Giving. Through this project, CBCCs like Chipalanje are also helping girls who have children, by giving them a safe place to leave their children while they return to school and finish their education.

The Chipalanje CBCC farm is thriving after good rains in Chitipa this year, and hopes are high for a strong harvest.

Some of the young learners at Chipalanje CBCC captured enjoying playtime, showing the joyful spirit of the centre.