Radio Northampton

You can listen in to my interview on BBC Northampton  here got to meet the lovely John Griff in person.
Bit more about my adventures.

Leaving on a jetplane

Mama Mia was fantasic - Had best pizza and wine ever! Stayed overnight at a lovely little guesthouse called Longonot which had hot water and wireless I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Woke up this morning to find that there is no fuel in Llongwe... typical when I had a flight to catch!
My taxi didn't turn up as he had no fuel. Eventually managed to get someone at a massively inflated price but I guess that is normal in Africa.

I'm on my way home to my fabulous friends and family... and although I will miss everyone here I have most of them on facebook ;-) and I will be continuing to champion COYIDA from the UK

Bus ride and Mama Mia

I did say in my last post I was a changed woman... my usual mode of transport in London is a cab. I am not sure I have taken the bus in London without having a small child who is excited about the experience with me....

Today I took a 5 hour bus ride to Lilongwe but it will be worth it as, much like I would be if I were in London I am heading to Mama Mia tonight....

Well the restaurant Mama Mia to meet lots of fantastic volunteers with VSO which will be an amazing way to spend an evening. Sharing learnings and experiences and taking stock of everything from the last couple of weeks in Malawi.

The team

The team at Coyida

Grace in Accounts

 

 

 

Patrick CEO

Me working!

Me and Grace

Eunice in programmes

My last day in Mzimba :0( moving onto Lillongwe

It's been difficult and eye opening here. Money is tight funding comes in tranches sometimes delayed by the sponsors as it the case at the moment.  But unlike the UK these guys just carry on and keep smiling I think there are some lessons to be learn't!

Today we have had a power cut my first but still not good, stopped work for a few hours made me think that if this was the UK I'd have gone mad, but today just carried on and made the tea, Malawi has changed me.

Last day in office as I am starting my journey back to Lilongwe tomorrow, and going to see some projects.

So today I am making sure I have done everything I have promised to do!

Coyida now have....

• Computerised cash book on Excel next steps to implement an accounting package such as sage

• Petty cash policy

• A nominal and project code list

• An admin budget this is very important as its needed to make sure that all salaries and admin costs are covered. Most sponsors/ partners want to put costs towards a shiny new well or toilet but tend to forget that the office costs need covering as well otherwise nothing would get done.

• Procurement policy and limits of authority

• Updated and revised the finance manual.

There is plenty more to do but only so much in a couple of weeks.

Next steps.....

I will be supporting Coyida moving forward I am going to sponsor Grace in accounts to become qualified ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) 

My company are going to donate to them Sage accounting software I just need someone to come over for a month and train the staff any volunteers???

I will provide ongoing support to the team to via email going forward.

But most importantly I am also going to raise money for them as the work they are doing is great!

The work they do is Clean water for villages this pump only cost £250.00 this is for 250/300 households

The new well

The old water source

They also promote Childrens rights and schooling.  I need childrens clothes to send over anyone who can help? Education is only compulsary till 11 years old to fund a child for secondary education only costs £80.00 per term

Women's rights COYIDA promote the training of local birth attendants and adequate Ante natal care.

HIV and AIDS reducing the stigma around the illness and making sure people eat correctly.

Update Tuesday

Went to Eunice house on Monday night for coffee with Wessie and Macy which was lovely.

Most exciting news I found Dairy milk and Diet coke in Peoples Supermarket woo hoo

Fabulous!

Had an Audit today from one of the sponsors which went ok.

Going out tonight for dinner with Mandi and Laura for MRDF

More news tomorrow...

Anita in Malawi's photostream

Anita in Malawi's photostream on Flickr.

Some of my photos from the experience of a lifetime