We are delighted to report that the first three of a total of nine children’s wheelchairs have now been delivered to children in the Chantulo village community in Malawi. Another three wheelchairs have already been transported to Mganja, and the remaining three will be distributed to children with limited mobility in Mua in the coming days.
This project was made possible only through the generous support of numerous donors and close collaboration with Malawi Medical Aid e.V., the Kungoni Center for Culture and Art under the direction of Father Brendan O’Shea, and our local partners.
The wheelchairs were deliberately purchased locally in Malawi. This not only avoided long transport routes but also strengthened local structures. The children were selected in collaboration with leaders in the respective village communities, ensuring that the aid reaches exactly where it is most urgently needed.
For the children involved, a wheelchair means far more than just mobility. It opens up new opportunities to participate in community life, attend school, and regain a measure of independence. For their families, it brings relief and new hope.
The handover of the first wheelchairs was marked by great joy and gratitude. The moving images from Chantulo impressively demonstrate the impact that collective commitment can have.
We are particularly moved that this support grew out of a chance encounter. During our last stay in Malawi, we conducted hands-on first-aid training sessions in the villages of Chantulo, Mganja, and Mua. Together with the villagers, we simulated emergency situations in small role-playing exercises and developed solutions. This led to an intensive exchange from which both sides learned equally.
These encounters gave rise to a desire to help the local people in the long term. The provision of children’s wheelchairs is a visible sign of this shared responsibility.
The Marietta & Cäcilie Foundation would like to express its heartfelt thanks to all donors and partners in Germany and Malawi. Special thanks go to our partner, Malawi Medical Aid e.V., with whom we were able to jointly raise the necessary funds for this project and make it possible to provide wheelchairs for the children. Together, we have succeeded in giving children new prospects—and we hope this will be the beginning of many more joint projects.
Thank you very much for your trust and support.