We are grateful to our volunteer Charlotte for visiting Ganet’s Adventure School in January 2019. Charlotte has many years of experience working in Malawi as a nutritionist, and this is her third visit to meet the school’s director Gertrude.
During her visit to the school, Charlotte advised the school on the incorporation of energy efficient clay stoves (chititezo mbaula) to replace using three stones and an open fire. The stoves are much more energy efficient, and will require only about a third of the wood needed by an open fire. This change could create a huge saving in wood, time and energy for the cooks who walk about 30 minutes to collect wood from the forest.
We hope to further improve stove facilities in the future.
Charlotte also shared with us an update on some of the crops being grown around the school to aid with the feeding programme. Here's some of what she shared ...
Around the school, several crops are being grown, mainly maize with some bonongwe (local spinach). Later, when it is not so wet, more vegetables to supplement the lunch menu. Orange, mango, banana and papaya trees supply fruits when in season.
The main growing fields are planted with maize at this time. However, like last year, the maize has had to be replanted twice due to early infestation of army worms which eat the leaves and buds. This is a nationwide problem at lower altitudes. This year’s maize crop will not be adequate for the feeding programme’s needs.
Cassava, another staple crop, is growing well and a good harvest is expected. Cassava flour has a longer and more complicated preparation than maize flour.
Groundnuts and leafy vegetables, mainly chisoso and luni, will be planted later when the main rains slow down. More banana trees are also planned.
Thank you again to Charlotte for her visit and sharing this update with our supporters!
Above are images of the army worm infestation in the maize, cassava growing well and banana trees.
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