He is head of a relatively bigger area of about 16km2. He leads 26 chiefs (village heads) and the whole community has about 9,000 people of which 52% are females. Taulo is very instrumental in providing leadership for the social and economic development of his area. From his own resources, he raised tree seedlings and shared to his community for agroforestry.  Chinangwa Nursery School (the one FVM supports) has also benefitted from his initiatives.

Teaching Volunteers (left to right): Richard, Rozina, Raphael, Chrissy and Liston
​
These teaching volunteers have been the engine of FVM’s operations in the community of Chief Taulo for more than 11 years. They are all dedicated to service and keeping the facility safe since it was constructed 10 years ago. Male volunteers watch over the facility without pay. Apart from caring and teaching more than 300 children (aged 3-6 years old), they also are fully involved in producing crops to supplement the food that FVM provides for the children. All of them are trained in taking care of the children. Missing in this group are Edwin and Adolla.

The circumstances of the last couple of years have definitely been challenging, and as this report shares, continue to be, but we know that in the midst of these challenges we can rejoice, pray and give thanks.  We are thankful for our supporters who lift up the work of FVM in prayer each month and we ask that you continue to do so in light of recent events in Malawi.  In the period between mid-February and mid-March 2022, the people of Malawi have been hit by four disasters: Cyclone Anna, Cyclone Gombe, the resurfacing of polio, and the trickle-down effects of the on-going Russia-Ukraine war crisis. 
​
Malawi is a country with 75% of its population living below the poverty line (less than $1 per day) and depends on peasant farming for its survival.  The damage done by the two storms that have destroyed crops, animals, houses and taken some lives has been devastating for the people of Malawi. 

Most of the farm land has been destroyed causing perpetual hunger until next year when hopefully the situation will be favourable in the next growing season.  Of high concern is the rise of Cholera cases, which often results from stagnant water in flash flood areas.  There are as many as 10 cases of Cholera in Nsanje, and as Cholera transmits like fire in the bush we ask for your prayers.
​
We can be thankful that in times like these, our preschool feeding program continues to operate.  Upwards of 400 children continue to receive nutritious food in the two child-care centres. 

​Also to report, a three-year-old girl has been diagnosed with polio in Lilongwe, the country's capital.  Polio is a viral infection that invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis that leads to permanent disability. There is no cure for polio.  Malawi was declared polio-free 22 years ago, but this case is quite concerning, especially in a country with an already fragile health care system.  The Malawi government called the outbreak a public health emergency and a massive Polio vaccination was commenced March 21, 2022 for all children under five-years-old.  

Finally, as in many other areas of the world, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war have already started manifesting in Malawi with scarcity of bread which has forced increase in prices. Prices of oil (gas) and fertilizer are most likely to escalate beyond imagination soon.  Please continue to pray for this situation.