Seibo Launched 6 NEW CBCCs!
On 26th April 2023, Seibo launched 6 new CBCCs in the Blantyre rural area. This has brought the total number of CBCCs that Seibo is working with to 17. The 6 new CBCCs are Mpotola, Dyechiti, Tsamirani, Bwemba, Katondo and Chibanzi. For the purposes of launch events several schools were paired in groups.
These new additions have come at a critical time with Southern Malawi having experienced tremendous losses in crop yield. It is estimated to be a loss of about 15,000 hectares of maize, the staple food in Malawi, and more especially the rural areas.

Launch Event of 4 Nurseries

The first launch event group included Mpotola, Dyechiti, Tsamirani and Bwemba CBCCs. The Seibo team at this launch comprised of Priscilla Nkhoma and Tapiwa Mwafulirwa. Upon arrival Priscilla did training on the use of the rocket stove and how to cook the phala meal. While the phala was cooking, the launch event began.vThe launch started with a prayer, then opening remarks led by Mgwirizano CBO director Mr. Ndaluza. We had 3 chiefs gracing the occasion from the areas which the schools are located: Group Village Headman Chalamanda, Village Headman Nyadani and Village Headman Kaliwo.

GVH Chalamanda’s Speech
The GVH (Group Village Head) expressed his thanks to Seibo for considering schools in his community to be part of the feeding program and he said they do not take this for granted. “This program will help to keep most of the children in school and to enroll more kids hence increased enrolment. This will help a lot of children in our community to have a strong education foundation as the children benefit in both education and health.” The GVH also asked Seibo to help them with a school block & clean water. The school doesn’t have a proper structure and where they draw water is very far.

MR. LUKE NDALUZA; MGWIRIZANO CBO DIRECTOR
The CBO (Community Based Organisation) director thanked Seibo for responding to their request of feeding schools in their community. He asked the parents, caregivers and committee members to be responsible and take care of the feeding programme’s property, and to follow the programme’s protocols given in order to keep the programme running and maintain a good working relation with Seibo. The director also urged all caregivers and committee members to work hard in improving their schools

After the speeches the MoU was read out. After this all parties in attendance agreed (Chairperson, Village Head and a witness) and signed their respective MoUs. After signing the MOUs, a phala meal was ready and served to the children. All the schools were given start up materials for the feeding; plates, spoons, cups, cooking sticks, basins, buckets with tap, buckets without tap, stock books, delivery books, attendance books, etc. And an orientation on how to use the register and stock book was given to the caregivers and CBCC committee members

Parents Remarks
Lucy a mother to Kelvin a learner at Mpotola nursery school was thankful to Seibo for coming to their rescue. “This help will go a long way in improving education. In the past most children were not coming to school whenever there is no food. We used to collect maize flour from the villagers for porridge but it was difficult especially during times of hunger. Thank you Seibo”

Yohane’s Comments
Yohane, secretary to Mpotola CBCC, was happy with the help that Seibo has brought to their communities. He said that he has seen Seibo’s work from nearby schools Kachimera and Makapwa and he believes that the feeding will bring positive impact to his community. He asked Seibo to continue helping them and extend to other communities as well. “Thank you Seibo”, He said

Caregiver’s Comments
Trinity is a caregiver at Dyechiti CBCC and she also has a 3-year-old child who attends the CBCC. Trinity said she is happy that Seibo will be feeding their school because the children will be attending classes while they have been well fed and this helps the children to be attentive during lessons and the schools’ attendance and enrolment will increase. “God should bless Seibo through the donors because they have removed a huge burden from us. Previously as community we used to contribute flour for the kid’s porridge which we were failing to do everyday”

CBCC Chairperson’s Comments
Yona, Chairperson for Bwemba CBCC, said that he is very happy for the coming of Seibo at their school, the porridge will help the children to grow healthy and have a good foundation for education. As the chairperson, he promised to encourage parents, committee members and caregivers to work hard so that they benefit from the program.