Safe Water for Malawi: Update One

One great tragedy of safe water investment in Africa is the lack of community ownership and training to operate the water system for long-term use. As a result, many systems are installed only to fail after a short time, plunging the community back to its prior situation of disease-laden water. The engineers of Water Missions International (WMI) combed Malawi assessing and qualifying locations and seeking the help of on-site partners to make this project a long-term success.

We are blessed to find a strong, committed partner already working in the country. Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church of Chicago led his congregation to a World Water Week, which included a show of WMI equipment, and the partnership was formed. The Friess Family Foundation joined Willow Creek in four locations around Chitipa in northern Malawi. The first installation at the Kaseye Mission and School is complete and a second phase is in the works.

For the balance of our ten projects, we are seeking partnership with a number of ministries already working in Malawi. Some anticipated partners include Calvary Chapel, World Relief, and Rotary International. The locations include Nkhoma Hospital and the Mphonde community, both in dire need of safe water and sanitation.  

Clean, safe water precedes even medical care as a necessity. It is the most basic investment that can encourage people to better health and allow them to prosper. For more information, or to partner with us in this effort, please email Ed Bartolini who is coordinating the Foundation’s efforts with WMI and various on the ground partners.