Over 80% of people live in rural areas
Malawi’s population has grown rapidly over the last decade and is forecast to have tripled to 45 million by 2020. Many of its 18 million population live below the poverty line and rely on subsistence farming. The region is vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather conditions, particularly floods and drought. Malnutrition is a real issue for many Malawians and life expectancy remains low, at around 57 years, compared to 82 years in the UK. The country has also been badly affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic (with an estimated one million children orphaned by the disease and infection rates which remain high at 10%).
The expanding population has put substantial pressure on resources including on the educational provision. In 1994 Malawi announced universal primary education and school enrolment consequently rose from 58% in 1992 to 75% in 2007. However over 50% of children leave school before completing their primary education and only 25% go on to attend secondary school. The increased population has put pressure on class sizes, which are often over 100 pupils.
The time has come for Malawi’s next General Election on 21st May 2019. Will a new party be elected and if so - will there be any change from a history of corruption and poverty? After the annulled elections due to massive irregularities, we wait for a fair and credible rerun of the elections.
What were the results?
Lazarus Chakwera, (MCP - Malawi Congress Party) won the country’s historic presidential election rerun, on JUNE 27 2020, which came after the nullification of last year’s polls that gave President Peter Mutharika his second term.
“I am so happy, I could dance all night,” Chakwera said. “By my heart is bubbling with joy and at the same time with great gratitude to the Lord.”
Malawi has long struggled with the issue of corruption, the issue of nepotism and the issue of tribalism. People wanted and needed change.
Most Malawians are now looking forward to a Malawi, that is full of economic, social and education opportunities and one which will fight against corruption and change the future of Malawi.
HOPE
Hope Africa is an International Christian Charity dedicated to bringing hope to people in Africa. We ask you to stand in prayer with us and to believe God for increase, opportunity and open doors to end sickness, disease and poverty.
AFRICA
Africa is a continent with 54 countries and with huge contrasts in levels of development and poverty. Malawi is one of the poorest countries with 50% of the population living below the poverty line and 25% living in extreme poverty.
CHARITY
Our vision is a world where everyone has access to safe drinking water; has food to eat every day and has access to education – so they can dream and hope for a better future. Our aim is to change one life at a time!