Felix’s journey to farming for a better future

In the heart of Joendicho Village under Group Village Headman Mphungu, Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa, southern Malawi, lives 45-year-old Felix Mpasanjesi, a father of five whose life has transformed from a struggle for survival to a story of success and hope.

For years, Felix relied on subsistence farming, producing just enough to feed his family. But thanks to the support from SOS Children’s Villages in Malawi, with funding from the Government of Iceland through SOS Children’s Villages in Iceland, Felix now views farming as a business and a pathway to a better life.

Through the Family Strengthening Expansion Programme, Felix received a water pump, fertiliser, and vegetable seeds, which helped him start irrigation farming. Today, his garden thrives with green vegetables and maize even during the harsh summer months.

“I am now able to sustain my family and provide basic needs for my children,” Felix said with a proud smile. “I can buy school uniforms, exercise books, and even pay school fees for some of my children. Thanks to the equipment from SOS Malawi, I can grow crops throughout the year.”

Felix’s youngest child, Samson, is in Standard 2 at Msingano Primary School. With steady income from his vegetable sales, Felix ensures his children attend school without financial challenges.

“I used to depend on rain-fed farming, and sometimes our harvests were poor. But now I produce enough maize and vegetables to sell in the local market. The proceeds help me support my family and save a little for emergencies,” he explained.

Beyond improving his own livelihood, Felix is sharing his knowledge with others in his community. Having served as a peer educator for SOS Children’s Villages in Malawi from 2021 to 2024, he continues to encourage fellow farmers to adopt modern farming practices and make the most of irrigation.

“I tell my friends that with determination and good use of the support we receive, we can change our lives,” Felix said.

The FS Expansion Programme aims to ensure that children and young people deprived of parental care have an equal chance to succeed in life. Implemented in Chikwawa District, specifically in GVH Mphedza and Mphungu, the programme has already helped 365 families like Felix’s build resilience and stability.

Felix’s journey is proof that with the right support, hard work, and commitment, families can break the cycle of poverty. “I am grateful to SOS Malawi and SOS Iceland,” he said. “They have not just given me tools, they have given me hope and the power to change my future.”