Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world with 50.7% of the population living below the poverty line and 25% classified as living in extreme poverty. Food, clean water, medical supplies and educational access are all things that we as UK citizens have the privilege to take for granted, however, countries such as Malawi are not so lucky. 

Open Arms Malawi believe that every child has the right to survival and development, providing essential care for Malawi's orphaned and abandoned children, and giving them the chance to achieve their potential within the love and security of a home. Open Arms have done amazing things to uplift the deprivation with 514 children now receiving a nursery education and daily meal at their nine nursery schools and 200 families being monitored through their community outreach programme. Unfortunately, Malawi has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, particularly in rural areas which is why the work of Open Arms is so vital. Similarly, due to lack of nutrition, almost 50% of children under 5 in Malawi have stunted growth, a figure that could be devastatingly higher without their outstanding efforts. 

In a years time I will be heading to the orphanages myself  to volunteer and witness some of Open Arms great work first hand, something which is very important to me having grown up in Southern Africa myself and witnessed some of the intense hardships that many families must endure. Supporting the nurturing of Malawi is incredibly important to me, as the place where my dad grew up and my family have spent time. I will, therefore, be completing a charity skydive in aid of this great cause in August this year in attempt to raise $1000. 100% of giving donations will go directly to Open Arms. Thank you for reading and I hope that you will consider donating.