Empowering Families Through Sustainable Support

Anne Levison and Patrick Sodza, parents to five children, once faced dire challenges in their household. Due to a lack of guidance in farming techniques, their yields were consistently poor, leaving the family without enough food and unable to afford essential school supplies for their children. This harsh reality placed their children at risk of losing parental care and deepened the cycle of poverty.

In 2020, recognizing their vulnerability, Anne and Patrick joined the Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) run by SOS Children’s Villages Malawi. The FSP’s mission is to support families facing economic and social hardships, ensuring that children grow up in stable and nurturing environments. This programme focuses on financial empowerment, educational support, youth development, and parenting skills by partnering with local organizations, including Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

For Anne and Patrick, the FSP was a lifeline. The programme provided them with comprehensive parenting lessons to help them create a more secure and supportive home for their children. Additionally, the FSP covered school fees and learning materials for their children, removing significant educational barriers.

To help Anne and Patrick achieve sustainable financial independence, the FSP introduced them to various economic activities. In 2021, the family received pigs as part of a pig farming initiative to generate both income and nutrition. The couple also received essential farming tools and supplies, including seeds and a treadle pump. They related to agricultural extension workers who taught them modern farming methods to maximize productivity and profits.

These interventions marked a turning point for the family. Anne and Patrick began practising irrigation with their new treadle pump, allowing them to engage in winter farming and secure year-round food production. This shift was transformative; they were no longer at the mercy of seasonal rain patterns. They also learned advanced tomato and maize farming techniques that further bolstered their economic activities.

Patrick and Anne turned their farming into a sustainable economic venture. By August, they had harvested over three tons of maize, ensuring food security for their family. Their investment in tomato farming, which amounted to 700,000 kwachas, is projected to yield a profit of 3 million kwacha. This newfound financial stability means that their children are well-fed and have access to quality education and a secure, nurturing home.

The Family Strengthening Programme of SOS Children’s Villages Malawi has empowered Anne and Patrick to transform their lives. By equipping them with essential skills and resources, the FSP has ensured that their children can grow up in a safe, supportive environment, a place where they can thrive and become their strongest selves. The story of Anne and Patrick exemplifies how community-focused interventions can build resilience and create sustainable change for vulnerable families.