Founded in 2002, Zikomo is a Galway-based charity that is making a significant impact in tackling poverty and hardship in groups ofrural communities in Malawi, a small landlocked country located in Southern Africa.
Malawi is officially one of the poorest countries in the world ranking 170 out of 188 on the Human Development Index with over 70 per cent of the population living below the world income poverty line. The everyday basics that we take for granted are luxuries beyond the reach of most citizens including access to clean water.
Zikomo is on the front line taking direct action to not only raise communities out of poverty but to provide them with a sustainable and self-generating income through a range of previous developments and ongoing projects.
In 2002 Malawi experienced severe drought leading to a country-wide famine. In response to this Zikomo has, since that time, distributed over 600 water treadle pumps and continues to drill boreholes providing access to clean water thereby reducing instances of disease within communities and providing a water source for crops.
Zikomo’s ongoing malaria prevention programme has yielded remarkable results and in one village alone it successfully reduced malaria infection by 95 per cent.
Zikomo’s unique beekeeping programme has provided sustainable additional income for a number of local communities, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity in the area.
Malawi is bearing the brunt of climate change, and experienced both severe flooding and regular droughts. The UN has warned that the effects of climate change, in particular drought, will displace millions and it is our profound belief that if we wish to address this issue we must start with the basics and provide access to water, for water is essential for the sustenance of all life.
The word Zikomo comes from the local Malawian language, Chichewa, and means thank you. The directors of Zikomo, who offer their services in a purely voluntary capacity, wish to offer their sincere gratitude on behalf of the people of Malawi to all the very generous donors to the charity this year. Your donations have made the world of difference to the people of this region.
If you are considering donating to a charity this Christmas, choose Zikomo and make a real difference to families in Malawi. We guarantee that 100 per cent of your donation will go directly to the projects in Malawi. Visit Zikomo.org today.
