Kumbali Projekt e.V.

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Kumbali Projekt e.V.
Grit Wagner-Strohn
Brunnweinbergstr. 2
D-71334 Waiblingen
Tel.:+49(0)7151 277003
Fax: +49(0)7151 277004
Mobile:+49(0)17627180767
mailto:kumbali@railcat.de
URL: http://www.kumbaliprojekt.de

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News

21.04.2024: Regular assembly 2023

13 members, 1 guest and 2 toddlers met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. The board reported on the Malawi mission in March, the status of the Kumbali Kindergarten, and the final commissioning of the Kitchen building at Waliranji. By unanimous resolution, the board was exonerated and re-elected for two more years.

28.03.2024: Malawi Mission March 2024

The new kitchen building in Waliranji is ready. We cook with gas in an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way. There is a sink and our solar cooker is also available during sunny hours.

We outsourced the work to local craftsmen (bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, welders and gardeners) who were really excited to demonstrate their skills and work on the new projects.

A banquet was organized, which was then crowned with a football and netball match. Teachers and parents were very busy preparing a delicious meal for around 350 children and 20 adults. What an unforgettable day!

A new fence to the neighbour was erected and the long-awaited climbing frame was built.

Some of our secondary school teenagers and their parents were already waiting in Lilongwe. Two of our scholarship holders are preparing for the MSCE (Malawi School Certificate of Education) final exam this year.

With a successful MSCE degree, young adults can apply to a vocational school or university. The families are very interested in continuing to work with us and would be very grateful if our association can continue to provide support in the future.

20.08.2023: The new school year will start soon

Also in Malawi it's the big holidays now. The new school year begins on September 11, 2023..
In the Kumbali Kindergarten, 10 children were ceremonially sent off to elementary school. The day was crowned with a final drive and a visit to Kamuzu Airport in Lilongwe, followed by a picnic organized by the parents.

25.06.2023: Regular assembly 2022

12 members met for the regular general meeting in Waiblingen. The board reported on the status of the current projects and explained the preliminary design for the kitchen project in Waliranji. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution.

16.04.2023: Malawi Mission March 2023

Once again, three weeks of project work at Kumbali Kindergarten Lilongwe and Divine Grace Schools in Waliranji were fully occupied. Fortunately "Freddy" not moved that far north; nevertheless it has a lot and violently - though not all the time - rained:

The handing out of the gym bags painted by the Children's Church at Beinstein was a pleasant surprise:

The exuberant joie de vivre when going to church on Sundays is remarkable:

It's also raining in Waliranji. Kindergarten buildings and composting toilets are in operation. Together with standard 8 we have the two kindergarten rooms with letters and numbers painted. - Grit's visit is always a big event:

This is how cooking is currently done in the Divine Grace Schools:

The kitchen project is very important to us!

The detailed mission report can be opened or downloaded here: Kumbali Projekt Volunteering 2023 (pdf, 1557 kB)

22.11.2022: We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023

A successful and exciting year comes to an end. Let's use the quiet and peaceful Christmas time to gather new strength for the new tasks that we want to master together with our friends in Malawi.
Next year we want to finish our kitchen project in Waliranji. A small house is to be built with two electric or gas cookers, a worktop and space for all kitchen utensils. We had already worked out a cost estimate, but unfortunately the prices, especially for building materials and transport, have increased enormously.
In our scholarship project we are now supporting 7 children by paying the school fees for the secondary school.
We are also responsible for the ongoing operating costs and school materials.
We look positively into the future and hope very much that our savings will be sufficient for all projects. My plate...

09.07.2022: Regular assembly 2021

14 members, 2 guests and 2 toddlers met for the Regular Assembly at Korb. The board reported on the Malawi mission in May and June, the status of the Kumbali Kindergarten, the final commissioning of the solar-powered deep well and the forthcoming completion of the Kindergarten buildings at Waliranji. By unanimous resolution, the board was exonerated and re-elected for two more years.

16.06.2022: Malawi Mission May / June 2022

Hooray and what a reunion! Finally back on site after two long years. Children, parents, friends and our team - everyone is doing well.
The city of Lilongwe has changed; new roads and buildings were erected. The traffic is massive; there is a lively hustle and bustle.
In the countryside, on the other hand, you see donkey and ox carts as ever. Goats, pigs and chickens roam free - a peaceful spectacle.

Divine Grace Private Schools Waliranji Cooperation Project
The new kindergarten building on our property is almost complete and is scheduled to go into operation in August 2022. It consists of two rooms arranged at an angle and an office in between. In order to convey and deepen the idea of permaculture, composting toilets were built in a separate structure.
19 local construction workers started construction on 15th April 2022 according to the construction plans drawn up by Michael Strohn in accordance with the standards applicable in Malawi. Among them are 9 vocational students from "Mponela Technical College" who are doing their bricklaying internship here. The project idea to enable vocational students to do an internship was born when we visited the Technical College in Mponela in 2019. Cathy Mwale, who is a trained bricklayer herself and teaches at the college, has taken on responsibility for the entire organization of this vocational school project.

Supervised by Cathy and Saili Mwale, the building was entirely handcrafted, from excavating the foundations to the roof.

On 9th May 2022, the shell of the building, made of environmentally friendly ECO bricks, was already in place.

Somewhat over a week later the roof truss was finished.

In the meantime, the roof has been covered, the electrical equipment completed and the interior fittings and painting work started.

A kitchen outside the building is in the planning stage but may not be realized until 2023 depending on the budget available.

Kumbali Kindergarten
After 10 years, the children are still lovingly cared for by teacher Esther. A total of 454 children attended the kindergarten during this period!
Some alumni proudly presented their certificates. Like little Esther - she's the best in first grade.
And Deborah, a child from the very first kindergarten group in 2012 - now a 14-year-old young lady - goes to St. Mary's Secondary School in Karonga and is supported by our association with a scholarship. It is a joy to see the children grow and to be able to converse with them now that they speak English. Deborah has big goals - she wants to be a lawyer.

08.10.2021: "Divine Grace Private Schools" - the water runs in Waliranji

It was probably the highlight of the year in Waliranji when the huge drill turned into our property. The whole village has come together. 40 meters deep was drilled until water was encountered.

17.07.2021: Regular assembly 2020

15 members and 2 kids met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen, somewhat later in the year than usual due to the restrictions on public life. The board reported on the development of the partnership with the "Divine Grace Private Schools" and announced the imminent start of construction of the solar-powered deep well. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution.

16.10.2020: Supporting our Partner Organisation "Divine Grace Private Schools"

Since after Education Minister's approval all schools, colleges and universities were able to gradually resume operations in the period from 7th September to 12th October under defined Covid-19 prevention measures, we supplied our partner school "Divine Grace Private Schools" with necessary utensils, such as disinfectants and hand washing facilities. Above all, however, we provided the urgently needed textbooks. Procurement and handover were

19.04.2020: Malawi Mission March 2020

We too - Celine, Julia and Grit - had to cancel our trip prematurely due to the corona pandemic. Although no case was known in Malawi by mid-March, the government reacted quickly and took various precautions. As of March 23, 2020, all schools and kindergartens were closed. As of today, 17 people are infected, 3 have recovered and there are 2 deaths. The government planned a three-week curfew. This was lifted again after a large part of the population protested against it. People live from hand to mouth and justify their protests: "We would rather die of corona than of hunger".
Despite the short time, our trip was successful. The cooperation agreement with Divine Grace Primary schools was signed by all parties. Celine and Julia (both nurses) taught the children, parents and teachers about Corona and gave important information about first aid.

30.01.2020: Regular Assembly 2019

15 members and 3 guests met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. After a detailed report by the board on the development of the partnership with the "Divine Grace Private Schools", a corresponding decision was taken. The board was exonerated and re-elected by unanimous resolution.

03.11.2019: Malawi Mission October 2019

This time we only had just about a week to get in contact with various kindergartens and schools who were interested in a cooperation. We visited the"Mama Happy" Primary School in Lilongwe, Area 23; the "Divine Grace Private Schools" in Waliranji (Mchinchi District approx. 60 km west of Lilongwe); the Community Technical College in Mponela; and the Kindergarten "With Change in Mind" in Salima.
On our shortlist is now a cooperation with the "Divine Grace Private Schools", which currently has 200 children from kindergarten to grade 5. The organization works similarly to the Kumbali kindergarten. However, the "buildings" are in poor condition, there is only one toilet, no water and little teaching materials. The cooperation model will be the main topic of our next regular assembly. As soon as the association's decision has been made, we can start with the preparations and implement our plans during the next visit on site in March / April 2020; of course, according to the old, tried-and-tested method: - "Step by Step" -

18.08.2019: Closing school year

School has gone on holiday and only opens on 16th September 2019. There was a farewell party which was attended by all parents as well as 3 chiefs from the villages and some former kids. 16 children graduated to primary from our Kindergarten; a volume others who left have all passed, qualifying to go to next classes. a big number of them continue to get good positions in their respective classes. The very first group from our kindergarten is now going to start standard 8, the final year of primary school. We can't wait to see them off to secondary school as grown ups!

Most of all we are very proud on Dalitso Moja who left last year and is now position 1 in primary school. He has our special attention because he was born as an albino. Albinos are still persecuted in African countries and therefore need special protection.

And of course of Elijah Chiseka who is position 2 in primary school. It is unbelievable in general how many children are in one class.

25.05.2019: Regular Assembly 2018

11 members, 1 guest und 2 kids met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. The board reported about the Malawi mission in April this year; especially about the new development regarding a partnership with other local kindergartens. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution.

05.05.2019: Volunteering in Malawi, 04.04. through 29.04.2019

April is probably the best time to go to Malawi. It greens and blooms everywhere, the landscape offers fascinating colors with the blue sky. The harvest is in full swing, there is plenty to eat. And everywhere one can see kittens like calves, piglets, ducklings and chicken chicks.

One of Grit's original goals this year was to promote the acquisition of land for the extension of the Kindergarten with primary school classes. However, it quickly became clear that due to the rapid growth of the city of Lilongwe, and thus its area expansion, not only land prices have skyrocketed into a range unaffordable for the association. Rather, the very soon to be expected structural changes in the catchment area of the existing kindergarten must be considered. Therefore, in preparation for an adapted strategy, not only discussions were held with landowners - both in Lilongwe and surrounding villages - but also contacts with several ministries (Land, Education, Health and Population) and a Village Chief responsible for 348 villages maintained or established respectively. An area where kindergarten and elementary school including sports and recreational areas could be built is currently nowhere available. In the surrounding villages exist state primary schools, but not a single kindergarten. One option is therefore the establishment of further small kindergartens in the rural area, whereby the aggravated conditions, not least with regard to reachability and transport, are to be considered.

Without a car and usually also due to lack of roads, driving to the villages on borrowed bicycles is a bit of a hustle and bustle in the heat - but this is compensated for by the landscape and the friendly people you meet on the way.

Cooperation with other private agencies was also considered, and the first appropriate contacts were made. And naturally, as every year, the program was to consolidate relations with the kindergarten team, the parents' committee and, of course, the children.

13.01.2019: 3rd Malawi Mission from 05.12. through 23.12.2018

Celine Dobler has returned from Malawi in good health. The continuous cultural and friendship exchange was consolidated, and Celine accompanied the daily work routine in the kindergarten (in particular concerning integration of the new teacher and her responsibility for the third class).

The field was cultivated. This is done by digging a hole in the ground barefoot with your heel, placing a seed grain in it and close it again with your heel. If the weather plays well, soya beans will be harvested in April.

03.10.2018: Publicity: Flea Market

Margarete Weiss represented the association on 21.09.2018 at the flea market "Forum Mitte - Familien-Bildungsstätte Waiblingen e.V."

03.10.2018 - 2nd Malawi Mission from 05.06. through 25.06.2018

On Saturday, 11th August 2018 17 members and interested persons met at "Schwaneninsel", Waiblingen. Celine Dobler reported on her second Malawi mission this year: Zurück im warmen Herzen Afrikas (pdf, 15 kB, German language only)

21.04.2018: Regular Assembly 2017

11 members, 4 guests und 1 kid met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. The board reported about the Malawi mission in February this year, and the proposed opening of a third Kindergarten class in September. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution.

12.03.2018: Malawi Mission from 07.02. through 04.03.2018

This year's mission, attended by Grit and Celine, was once again very successful and packed with innumerable activities. The most beautiful and important day was our celebration of the Kindergarten's sixth anniversary. Invited were the local press (see

PDF, 255 kB), Achachanda Community Organization & Beautify Malawi (BEAM), representatives of the school committee, parents and former kindergarten children.

Furthermore, a movie day for the children and parents was organized, showing photos and videos of the last six years.
Together with the kids we labelled little sheep, prepared by the children's church of Beinstein, and in return we made bracelets from native tree fruits. The German nursery rhyme "Gott dein guter Segen (God your blessing)" was also rehearsed.

Numerous interested parents attended the courses "First Aid" and "Family Planning" - which Celine carried out as a trained nurse - and were very grateful for any advice and clarification.

In addition, there was an exchange of experiences with the parents who took out a micro-credit two years ago. 80 percent were very positive about their independence; they were able to improve their living conditions considerably as a result.
The Kindergarten field where we planted soya beans this year and which is growing well was visited. The next day we sowed tomato seeds with the children on the nursery school grounds.

What new goals have we set ourselves and how to realise them?
In September 2018 we will open an additional kindergarten group with 40 children: To this end, a three-year extension of use has already been agreed with the Landlord, the conversion and expansion has been organised, cost estimates have been obtained from local carpenters, a cost plan has been drawn up for further purchases/equipments such as new school uniforms and dishes, interviews with new teachers have been carried out and a timetable has been drawn up together with coordinators, team, parents' committee and parents for a smooth course of events.

06.12.2017: Season's Greetings

If many little people,
in many little places,
do many little things,
they can change the face of the earth.

African wisdom

We wish you a Merry Christmas and
a happy, successful New Year !

16.07.2017: Malawi Mission from 25.05. through 17.06.2017

The local kitchen project - Cooking with the Sun - was successfully realised. Chairwoman traveled with 3 solar cookers to Malawi.
The equipment was introduced by local Trainer Mr. McDonald Ganisyeje. Present were members of the School Committee, Teachers, Village Chiefs, and Ethel Kapyepye of Achachanda Community Organization & Beautify Malawi (BEAM). We prepared Nsima with vegetables. Everyone was enthusiastic about this new cooking method.

A Video can be found at Solar cooking 2017 - YouTube (WMV - 03:38 - 31 MB).

29.04.2017 - Regular Assembly 2016

13 members and 5 guests met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. Main topics were the planned opening a primary school in September 2017 (reconstruction and extension of class rooms, purchasing furniture and teaching resources, recruiting new teachers) as well as implementing the new local kitchen project (solar cooker, wood saving stove, biogas).

19.01.2017: Tree planting

Around 400 trees were planted by our present and former Kiga students with supporting from young people and parents from the community. Everything was organized by Achachanda Community Organization and Beautify Malawi (BEAM).

01.10.2016: Micro-credits to needy families

The August 2015 amendment of the association's articles facilitates the "Micro Credits" project. After one year of discussion, preparation and evaluation of business plans five parents started their small businesses and very proudly signed their contracts.

15.09.2016: Final Harvesting Result

A marvellous result: 56 bags of maize, 50 kilogrammes each, plus a 50+ kg bag of soya beans. The parents agreed to go ahead with the food project this year.

05.09.2016: New school term

On 5th August, 12 children left and got a certificate and some little gifts as they went to the primary school. With the new term, other kids were enrolled in their place.

26.05.2016: Regular Assembly 2015

Six years Kumbali Projekt - 13 members, 1 guest und 2 kids met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen. The board reported in detail about the Malawi mission in April/May this year. Celine Dobler presented her own video clip: Malawi 2016 - YouTube (FLV - 08:37 - 241.3 MB) The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution and re-elected for another two years. Afterwards, 2016/2017 activities were discussed.

23.05.2016: Malawi Mission from 11.04. through 04.05.2016

Our volunteers - Grit, Michael, Margarete und Celine - were warmly welcomed by the kids and their parents.
In November 2015, the parents had started growing maize and soya on the Kindergarten's own field. Now it was harvesting season, all helped with great commitment, and the crop yield showed that the effort pays off. The kids now get a hot meal every day.

At present, food is prepared in traditional way on an open wood fire. Since the women are permanently exposed to the smoke, and the method is also not energy efficient, the association plans a new stove. Decision on optimum fuel (briquettes, gas and/or solar) is pending. Equipment for making briquettes from paper waste, sawdust and water is available but of course can be used during the rainy season only.
In order to improve hygienic conditions during school lunch benches or tables are being procured.
After four years of usage maintenance and repairs are upcoming. Tables, chairs, windows and roof are being repaired, the solar panel fixed, the pit drainage emptied and free standing handwashing stations installed.
First interviews were conducted for the microcredits project.
On parent's request, the establishment shall be extended by a first class ("junior primary school"). The coordinator will arrange for the necessary legal steps. Then the rooms required will be renovated and furnished.
We maintained and deepened the loving interaction with the indigenous people in terms of international understanding. There were many shared activities, such as

Visiting Permaculture Centre
Trip to the Wildlife Centre
First aid course
Knitting, crochet und handicraft courses
Aerobics
Participating in church services

The Association sponors the vocational education of our teacher Esther Msangu, who in turn enganges herself to continue with the Kindergarten for at least three more years.
We also used the chance to exchange experience with representatives of "onebillion" and "with change in mind".

25.12.2015: Season's Greetings and Thanks from the Malawi-Team

We wish you a great Christmas season as well as a very successful 2016.
Thank you very much for your membership, love, care and support to the project, our children and the Malawi team.
Zikomo kwambiri for 2015, let's look forward to 2016!
Again merry Christmas & happy new year!!!

15.08.2015: Members' assembly

11 members met for an extraordinary assembly at VfL Waiblingen for discussion of and vote on the amendment of the asscociation's articles for the new project "microcredits to needy families". The amendment was adopted unanimously without abstentions: Articles (German language, pdf, 26 kB)

12.08.2015: Farewell party

A year passes quickly � 21 children (11 girls and 10 boys) graduated from our Kindergarten. The ceremony was attended by parents, former kindergarten students, graduating students, remaining students, Mitsuko Tamura (a Japanese Volunteer), the village development committee chairperson and 3 chiefs from Landscape & Canada camp villages.

19.07.2015: Members' Meeting

The agenda 2015/2016 was the occasion for a meeting in which we discussed further prospective projects while having a good cup of real Arabica coffee from Malawi.
For example, we are planning to prepare a hot meal for the kids every day. For this purpose, a separate field will be managed by parents from the start of the rainy season (planting time) in November 2015.
We also intend providing microcredits to needy families.

31.05.2015: Malawi Mission 27 April - 22 May 2015

During Grit's latest mission all construction works on the roof could be finished, damaged doors, tabels and chairs were repaired and the bicycles too. Four students from Bishop Mackenzie International School (Lilongwe) are presently working as volunteers at the Kindergarten as part of a six-week school project. They give support in painting and drawing. Grit taught the children, teachers and parents how to make roses from paper napkins, tinkered small bracelets, took over physical education and even rehearsed a German children's song. A very special experience was an excursion to the nearby Permaculture Center.

After a lecture on the importance of permaculture each child planted its own little tree - an Acacia polyacantha, or "Mthethe" in Chichewa.

25.04.2015: Regular Assembly 2014

Five years Kumbali Projekt - 12 members, 1 guest und 4 children met for the Regular Assembly at "Vereinsheim der Gartenfreunde Waiblingen". The board reported about the development during the last year. Thereafter was a lively discussion about the next trip to Malawi, which starts tomorrow. This time Grit will travel alone.

12.02.2015: Kindergarten roof restored

Thanks to the good cooperation with our landlord the roof could be restored, just remaining with filling some parts on the walls, and the ceiling.

18.01.2015: Thunderstorms in Malawi

There were terrible thunderstorms at night between 2nd and 3rd of January 2015 in Malawi. A lot of regions were suffering - unfortunately our Kumbali Kindergarten, too. Most of the roof and part of the framework have fallen off. Also the new desks were badly destroyed. Thank God nobody was hurt!
The cleanup has already started and materials were ordered. But because of the heavy rain there is not much progress at the moment.
Meanwhile the teacher team has organised two rooms on the other side of the building that will be temporarily used as classrooms until the real ones are done.

18.12.2014: End of the School Term

At the end of school term there was a small party which included closing day, celebrating two birthdays, with some of our old Kiga Kids who did well in primary school also attending. We prepared popcorn, peanut and honey/jam sandwiches, small cup cakes, kamba puffs and sobo. Some of the items were sponsored by parents. All together we had 76 kids in attendance. We also gave notebooks, pencils and crayons to those who passed with good grades.

15.12.2014: New Furniture delivered

04.10.2014: Special note from Malawi Team

We want to thank the association members for being able to be members. Their contributions and membership is contributing in changing and improving lives here. We so much appreciate every membership, and every contribution made.

17.09.2014: Farewell party

13 kids graduated from our Kindergarten this year. We gave them certificates, notebooks, pencils and crayons.

12.09.2014: New Ipads donated by "Onebillion"

Today we had visitors from Onebillion ( https://onebillion.org/about) and they gave us five new Ipads that you see kids using on the photo below. They were impressed with the results from our Kindergarten.

16.05.2014: Malawi Mission 14 April - 01 May 2014

Barbara and Grit on site: after two years of intensive work shared by all parties involved we could implement the second stage of our pilot project; altogether 60 kids are taken care of at Kumbali Kindergarten now.

Through the cooperation of members of our different cultures, the association’s purpose "exercise, comprehend and achieve international understanding" is being consciously practised. In the course of the frequent visits by volunteers, the sense of trepidation vanished on both sides, and an implicit relationship of trust emerged instead. The initial awe of communicating with "Azungus" is almost gone. During discussions, parents were encouraged to think beyond their present horizon. The awareness of the importance of the simple and small but useful things the children learn at the Kindergarten - such as washing hands and brush one’s teeth - could be consolidated. Adequate advice and reasonable hints are being accepted without reservation by both sides. We learned for example how to light a fire or to weave simple wicker baskets.

16.05.2014: Kids plant trees

In March, Kumbali Kindergarten kids planted their first trees: Passion fruit (Grannadila), Orange, Avocado.

See more: Kumbali Kindergarten's Pride (pdf, 417 kB)

16.05.2014: Kumbali Kindergarten registered officially

Since 30 January 2014 Kumbali Kindergarten is member of Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA), thus officially registered.

08.02.2014: Regular Assembly 2013

Four years Kumbali Projekt - 14 members, 3 guests and 3 kids met for the Regular Assembly at Waiblingen-Hegnach. Part of the board’s report were slide shows and brief movies informing about the development of the association’s activities, the community service of December 2013, and the present situation in Malawi. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution and re-elected for another two years. Afterwards, 2014 activities were discussed. Thanks to Reitergemeinschaft Hegnach-Oeffingen for providing their club house.

31.12.2013: Malawi Mission 05 - 24 December 2013

Despite starting rainy season and all alone, on the spur of the moment Grit travelled to Malawi once again, in order to press ahead the pilot project. On the very first evening, 20 parents attended a parent-teacher conference.

In compliance with the parent's wishes, we will equip the second classroom with forms.
Our "wool programme" is already bearing fruit. With the wool and the many needles we brought in April, the parents learned knitting from each other. Now they intend making sweaters (in the association’s colours) for the kids, as part of the school dress. The association procured green and yellow wool for the purpose.
It can clearly be seen that the organisation of Kindergarten operations has been further consolidated. Coordinator Sai is on site daily; his wife Cathy, and nursery teacher Esther together do the teaching, supported by two or three parents, who are also responsible for cutting the grass and for cleanliness of the premises. In addition, caretaker Brian volunteers at sports.
In September, nine children advanced to primary school - with a positive feedback by its director: "The kids from Kumbali Kindergarten are the best!". Of course the vacancies were filled immediately. The three to four years old novices are already well settled and fully supported by their seniors.
Highlights for all the children were a visit to the local Wildlife Centre and the Christmas Party, where the kids at first recited songs or poems by pairs. Main feature was the performance of a nativity play. After lunch, all enjoyed singing and dancing at Malawian rhythm.

How do we continue? After Christmas holidays, the Kindergarten will re-open on 6 January. The service agreement with Saili und Cathy Mwale has been entended until 21 June 2015.
The second classroom, the rooms designed for library and store, and the toilet building shall be all completed by end of February. Though some delays may occur due to the rainy season we expect to start with a second class in April 2014.
As always, saying farewell was really hard ... "Goodbye, Goodbye - but not for ever!"

28.09.2013: Workshop "Sleep despite snoring" at Filharmonie Filderstadt-Bernhausen

Many thanks to the organiser Werner Waldmann for helping us to get an information desk. This time Nina, Morten, Celine and Claudia were present; informed about Malawi, the village, the children and our association - and distributed homemade apple jelly and Kumbali socks. The best was Celine's interview with radio channel SWR 1 - her first one.

11.09.2013: Open Round-table Discussion at Vicarage Korb: "Where do our donations go?"

Barbara und Grit introduced our project to the very interested senior participants. The round was much attracted by our activities and asked lots of questions about Malawi. Seven participants agreed to support our association through membership. And we can shortly expect some small donation.

24.07.2013: Result of the "Finnenlauf" at Education Centre Hohenacker

During their Africa-week mid May, the children of the Education Centre Hohenacker raced at the 350-metre "Finnenlaufbahn" under the slogan "sprint for Malawi". Each child had looked for sponsors who donated a certain amount for each performed round.
After a small festive programme and the concluding service on the last day before summer holidays, Mrs. Magdalene Gucker, headmistress of the Lindenschule, presented the stupendous proceeds as symbolic cheque.

Cheque Hohenacker

On behalf of the children in Malawi, Kumbali Projekt thanks the children of Hohenacker and all contributors for this first class performance!

25.05.2013: Positive Press Coverage

Under the headline „Things are moving ahead in Malawi“ our local press „Waiblinger Kreiszeitung“ published a detailed report about our activities.
A translation of the report is available for display or download below:

Waiblinger Kreiszeitung of 25 May 2013 (pdf, 78 kB)

18.05.2013: Regular General Assembly 2012

11 members and 2 guests attended the Regular General Assembly on 13 May 2013. The board’s report included an explanation of the organisational setup of the Kumbali Kindergarten and informed about the Malawi community service 2013 and the present on-site situation through a slide show and brief movies. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution. Afterwards, activities planned for the remaining part of 2013 were discussed.

10.05.2013: Malawi Mission 23 March - 14 April 2013

This time we were six who went to Malawi for visiting our children once again, with more than 180 kg luggage containing school materials, tools, children's clothing and books.
The 30 children attending the Kindergarten now since one year show an excellent development. Those who are going to leave in September 2013 are well prepared for the 1st grade of primary school. Most of them are able to calculate in the range up to 20 and to introduce themselves in English.

Children introducing theirselves - WMV (4,4 MB)

As intended, from the start-up one year ago, the Kindergarten is being operated not as an establishment of the Association but by the parents on their own authority and supported through their voluntary assistance. For supervision and coordination, the parents have elected a responsible Committee. Because as yet the parent's cooperation did not invariably work smoothly due to organisational problems, and there is also a lack of educated teachers, we have postponed the proposed expansion by one more Kindergarten class for the time being.

Instead we concentrated on consolidation and improvement of existing operations and maintenance and repair of the premises.

In order to remedy prevailing organisational deficiencies, rules were elaborated together with the parents. Our Coordinator, Mr. Saili Mwale is supported by his wife Cathy from now on, and the Association will be sponsoring a vocational training of the teacher, Ms. Esther Msangu.

The glue-bound distemper in the classroom could not be cleaned any more, and termites had caused considerable damage to the plastering of all rooms. Therefore, after having plastered over the damaged areas, we repainted all rooms. For the lower ranges, washable glossy paints were used in the classroom, and simple tiles in the teacher's toilet. The parents restored the mud floor that had been worn out and also infested with termites. For the second office room, we procured a bookshelf and another small cupboard, and established a small library there.

27.02.2013: Project appraisal at Albert-Schweitzer-Schule Fellbach-Schmiden

Joannis Karigannis, Filomena Santoro and Desiree Dobler (Class 9 b) presented our project and used the occasion for collecting donations in the course of cake sales - a great success. Thanks!

16.02.2013: Members' Meeting

During the meeting at BAV Waiblingen we discussed the trip to Malawi over Easter.

22.01.2013: Treffpunkt Mozartstrasse, 70734 Fellbach

Grit und Celine presented our project at "Treffpunkt Mozartstrasse", the popular meeting place for seniors and retirees in Fellbach, in a well-attended event with gratifying resonance.

19.11.2012: Sign Post

It was a long way to go - but eventually: Happy to inform you that the sign post is now up ... (Sai Mwale)

13.11.2012: Apple Jelly

A good friend presented us with three crates of apples - so we prepared this delicious jelly, as a small token for all who support our project.

03.11.2012: Members' Meeting

at Künstler Bistro Detail, 70734 Fellbach

17.10.2012: Flyer

Our new Flyers finally arrived - donated by viaprinto, 48161 Münster - Many thanks!

19.07.2012: Kumbali socks

Tri, tra, trallala - Malawi liegt in Afrika. Malawi is in Africa.
Dort gibt es Kinder so wie wir, There are children just like us,
die haben leider kein Papier. but they haven’t got any paper.
Ballspielen wäre wunderbar, Ball games would be marvellous,
doch sind die Bälle mehr als rar. but balls are more than rare.
In Afrika ist man meist arm - Most Africans are poor -
Kumbalisocken geben warm. Kumbali socks will keep you warm.
Tri, tra, trullala - Kumbalisocken für Afrika! Kumbali socks for Africa!

Some members are busy knitting socks in order to get some small donations. The first pairs are already available at Fränzel’s hairdressing salon in Waiblingen. Who has got some wool to spare, or can help us knitting - most welcome!

19.07.2012: Kumbali internal

For some reason our trips to Malawi happen to be suggestive of being financed from the Association’s funds. That is not so - all particpants pay for flights, accommodation and subsistence from their own pocket.

19.05.2012: Regular General Assembly 2011

14 members and 13 guests attended the Regular General Assembly on 17 May 2012 that simultaneously served as information event.
Part of the board’s report were slide shows and a brief movie informing about the Malawi community services 2011 and 2012. The board was exonerated by unanimous resolution and re-elected for another two years. Afterwards, 2012 activities were discussed.

19.04.2012: Kumbali Kindergarten opened

Due to the fuel shortage in Malawi vacation through the previous tenant and consequently reconstruction were delayed by three months - but on 2nd April 2012 the Kumbali Kindergarten could be opened for 30 kids.

Three Kumbali members had travelled to Malawi with more than 100 kilogrammes of luggage - backpacks, children’s clothing and sportswear, training shoes - and made the finishing touches. A blackboard was made, numbers, letters and a picture painted on the freshly whitewashed walls, and hooks for the backpacks fixed.
For the ceremonious opening, Swabian pancakes were served. Then teacher Mercy started the classes. On Good Friday the kids were invited to the zoo. On the same day, we received also the school clothing in the association’s colours.
Highlights of the opening day can be seen from a movie at YouTube.

26.12.2011: Seminar at PH Ludwigsburg

A seminar group at Pädagogische Hochschule (pedagogical university) Ludwigsburg under Prof. Dr. phil. Ulla Gohl-Völker has chosen the design of the outer area of our Kindergartenschool as subject. On 7th Dezember 2011 we had the chance to introduce our project and our philosophy, and to answer a comprehensive set of questions. A few comments of the students are given below:

Stefanie Schroff: „I got to know about Kumbali Projekt through a very impressive lecture held by Mrs. Grit Wagner-Strohn and Mr. Michael Strohn during a seminar at the Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg. Personally, I feel the approach of Kumbali Projekt appropriate, where life and culture of the people of Malawi are being respected and adopted. There is no attempt to force a foreign concept but the project is based on the existing way of life. I found it fascinating to meet the people in charge of the project. I felt very touched to see how much time and passion is being invested, and how many good things can be made happen. May more and more people commit themselves to an issue they really care about - through this project I realised how much one can achieve... I would like to thank Mrs. Grit Wagner-Strohn and Mr. Michael Strohn for the lecture and their commitment, and to convey my compliments."

Angelika Lukacs: „I found it wonderful to have you there. I am really proud of my family..."

26.12.2011: Childrens’ Backpack Initiative

Following the newspaper calls in „Waiblinger Kreiszeitung“ and „Beinsteiner Ortsnachrichten“ we received a considerable number of children’s backpacks - just as many as we can carry during our next trip to Malawi. We would like to thank all donators, in particular the Catholic Kindergarten “St. John the Baptist" in Korb.

20.11.2011: Thanks for voting at "DiBaDu und Dein Verein"

We finally got 576 votes, and though we are ranked 2,980 only (of 19,329 participating German non-profit organisations) and won’t get any money we still consider this a success. The children in Malawi and the association thank you for your support.

02.11.2011: Kumbali Kindergarten: Reconstruction and start of operations

During this year’s activities in Malawi - while we had already started clearing and levelling the site - we got a much besser chance. The short-term termination of a lease for a stud on Nature’s Gift’s property resulted in the possibility of using part of the existing structures for the Kindergartenschool, requiring only some reconstruction. The owner of Nature’s Gift Ltd. affirmed his intention to provide land and facilities for the Kindergartenschool if the association participates in the reconstruction costs. Compared with a new construction as initially intended, upgrading the existing structures will not only provide the advantage of availability of drinking water supply but also result in a considerably larger classroom area of about 100 m². We have taken the chance immediately and concluded a service agreement accordingly.
The Kindergarten shall be operational in January 2012. It shall be operated not as an establishment of the association but by the teachers in their own responsibility; their salaries shall be raised by the parents as small school fee. However, a certain supervision and coordination will be required at least in the initial phase. The association has assigned this task including employment of teachers to Mr. Saili Mwale:

02.11.2011: Malawi Service 2011: Waiblinger Kreiszeitung and Celine Dobler report

Though we were only three volunteers this year, our service from 12th August through 6th September 2011 was successful.
The reports of "Waiblinger Kreiszeitung" (our local press) and of our member Celine Dobler are available for display or download below (sorry, both in German only):

Waiblinger Kreiszeitung of 22.10.2011 (pdf, 196 kB)

Azungu, Azungu by Celine Dobler (pdf, 536 kB)

07.02.2011: Regular General Assembly 2010

The general assembly for the year 2010 took place on 05. February 2011. Besides the requirements according to the articles of the association - board’s report and exoneration - main subject were the 2011 activities, in particular the Malawi community service in the summer holidays.

14.11.2010: Bank account

Due to a bank merger, some of our account data are now different though not the account number itself:
Account No. 338 304 002 at Volksbank Stuttgart,
BLZ 600 901 00,
BIC: VOBADESS,
IBAN: DE85600901000338304002.

14.09.2010: Kids-Cup

The sports club FSV Waiblingen kindly allowed us introducing our association during the sporting event "Kids-Cup 2010". On Saturdays and Sundays from 4th through 12th September 2010 we were present with our information booth. We also took the opportunity to treat participants and visitors with some snacks. On visitor’s request we publish the recipe for the Leek Pita below:
Flan á la bourguignonne (pdf, 110 kB)