COUNTRY
Malawi is a small country in Southeast Africa with a population of nearly 20 million. The country's population growth is among the largest in the world. Statistically, one woman gives birth to more than five children here. At the same time, Malawi is considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world, with 50.7% of the population living below the poverty line, and 25% living in extreme poverty.
Another major problem facing the country is the incidence of HIV/AIDS – it is estimated that up to one million people in Malawi are affected by the disease. Even though the government does refund antiretroviral drugs, many people are reluctant to get tested and treated. Additionally, a large percentage of sexually active people choose not to use contraceptives. As a result, thousands of children become orphans and many are born already infected with HIV.
Due to poverty and HIV/AIDS incidence, a large proportion of children, especially orphans, are unable to complete their education. Only around 60% of Malawi's population can read and write.
ORGANISATION
Marie da Silva founded the Jacaranda Foundation in 2002 after learning that a school in her home village in Malawi was about to close. The Jacaranda Foundation provides free education, health care and meals for children in the most difficult situations, often including orphans.
The Kulczyk Foundation began its cooperation with the Jacaranda Foundation in 2015, as part of the project presented in one of the episodes of the third season of the Domino Effect. The Kulczyk Foundation has supported the implementation of the Jacaranda Foundation’s educational projects.
PROJECT
Work on the Jacaranda Jan Kulczyk Vocational School began at the end of 2017. Construction and finishing work was completed at the end of 2019, and its opening was planned for April 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the opening of the school was, however, postponed. The first students have already passed the enrollment process and are now awaiting approval to begin their education from the Malawi authorities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jacaranda Foundation provides health care to support the local community. Due to the fact that schools are closed, the foundation's teachers support children in remote learning by providing them with educational materials in the form of photocopies. Additionally, as part of their voluntary work, students sew masks, which are then distributed by the school (so far, the school has already distributed over 5,000 masks).
The Jacaranda Jan Kulczyk Vocational School will offer the following courses:
- Video, Photo and Sound production,
- Information and Communication Technologies,
- Food Production,
- Carpentry and Joinery,
- Cosmetology (hairdressing and make-up),
- Painting and Decoration,
- Tailoring and Fashion design.
Each course will last either 10 weeks (at the end of which participants will receive a certificate) or 20 weeks (ending with a diploma). The school will offer 4 hours of classes every day.
