Hope Skills Centre update: Working together to support local families and communities

Jun 2
3 min read

By Aubrey Bottoman, Farm Manager at Hope Skills Centre.

This month has been an exciting one at the Skills Centre as we continue working alongside local communities to improve farming practices, strengthen livelihoods, and care for the environment.

Training farmers in compost making

One of our main activities this month was a three-day compost-making course attended by 10 local farmers. The training combined classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience, helping participants understand how to turn readily available farm waste into valuable organic fertiliser.

Together, we used manure, green leaves, and dry grass to build compost piles and demonstrate the process from start to finish. Alongside the practical lessons, we reflected on several Bible passages that encouraged stewardship, hard work, and cooperation, including Genesis 2:15, Proverbs 10:4, and Ecclesiastes 4:10.

The farmers learned how to produce their own low-cost fertiliser, reducing the need for expensive inputs while improving soil health and helping to prevent soil acidity. We are encouraged by their enthusiasm and look forward to seeing the impact this knowledge will have on their farms and families.

Developing our demonstration farm

We are also preparing to launch our demonstration farm, which will officially begin development on 2nd June 2026. This will become a valuable learning space where farmers can gain practical experience in crop production, tree nursery development, and other agricultural activities.

The demonstration farm will also serve as a meeting place where local farmers can learn from one another and share ideas. The farming group has expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by the Hope4Development team and is hopeful that these projects will bring positive change to their homes and communities.

Introducing fuel-efficient stoves

Another exciting development is the start of our stove-making programme. We have begun working with our first beneficiary family, the Mayere family, and look forward to expanding the project further in the coming months.

These improved stoves offer several important benefits. They reduce the amount of firewood needed for cooking, helping to protect local trees and the environment. They also save time for families and produce less smoke, creating a healthier cooking environment.

How life is changing for the better for the Mayere family

The first family to benefit from our stove-making programme is the Mayere family, who live in the community surrounding Hope Skills Centre.

The family has nine children, ranging in age from 2 to 22 years old. Two of the children are deaf and are currently unable to attend school. Four of their children, aged 8, 10, 16 and 18, are attending primary school, but because of the challenges they have faced in accessing education, they remain in classes with much younger children.

The children's father works hard to provide for his family, taking on small jobs whenever work is available. However, the income he earns is not enough to meet the needs of such a large household.

The family's home reflects some of the challenges they face. It has an earth floor and an ageing roof made from old iron sheets. One side of the house previously collapsed and has been repaired using whatever materials were available, so that the family could continue living there.

By supporting families such as the Mayeres through projects like the fuel-efficient stove programme, we hope to improve daily life, reduce the amount of firewood needed for cooking, and create healthier home environments.

We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside families like theirs as they work towards a brighter future.

The future is bright

These community development initiatives are helping the Skills Centre build strong relationships with the surrounding villages. Local people are eager to learn and are grateful for the practical skills and opportunities being provided through Hope4Development.

We are thankful for the progress made so far and look forward to seeing these projects continue to grow, bringing lasting benefits to families and communities across the area.

Can you help a child in Malawi?

Thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development programmes, building projects, resourcing initiatives, and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children in rural Blantyre.