Carol service boost for Malawi villagers

Life-saving pedal power and the prospect of a bumper harvest for poor villagers in Malawi has come in the wake of a �1000 boost from Wymondham Hope Community Church's Christmas carol service.

Life-saving pedal power and the prospect of a bumper harvest for poor villagers in Malawi has come in the wake of a �1000 boost from Wymondham Hope Community Church's Christmas carol service.

Easing the plight of the 500-strong Chapita community is the aim of church member Frank Nantongwe. The data officer is also a visionary and pioneer for the village where his grandfather lived. Regular trips to his native homeland have helped pinpoint dire needs which are addressed by church, friends, family and the wider Norfolk community - including the Millennium Male Voice Choir - as he seeks to highlight the issues.

Both young and old have caught the vision for the society that has no commercial enterprise and state welfare to offset the problems of drought and crop failure.

'I have always been overwhelmed by such generosity and the people of Chapita still struggle to understand the kindness of people who live thousands of miles away and still share their struggles through these donations,' said Frank.

The money will help buy extra fertiliser after a shortfall in the Government subsidy. Five specially adapted bicycles will enable more mercy-dashes to hospital, saving the lives of children, pregnant mothers and malaria victims. The bicycles will also enable market trips to sell farm produce and provide an income when rented for leisure.

Over �740 - including gift aid - was received during the collection at the Wymondham High School service on December 20 and a further �255 donation came from Hope Community Church.

For more information: fnantongwe@hotmail.com