Deliwe Kassim - One year on

Deliwe Kassim hasn’t had an easy year, but becoming involved in the CCPM has helped her overcome disaster.

Last summer, when she was eight months pregnant, Deliwe’s husband ran away with all their maize harvest which provides both their food and income for the whole year.

“There was food distribution in the village. When I was waiting there in the queue, my husband got a vehicle and lifted the maize in. When I came back there was nothing in the house. I have not seen him since, but if I do I will call the police.”

Thanks to help from CCPM implementing partner CADECOM Mangochi, however, things have improved.

“I received training and some seeds, so I now have four bags of maize that I will eat without anyone taking it away.”

Deliwe has also received three goats, which she describes as “real assets - they give us a sense of security.”

The Village Saving and Loan (VSL) scheme set up under the CCPM also adds to that security.

“Because of the VSL, I am able to save money and have access to loans. When my son got sick with malaria and got admitted to hospital, I was able to borrow 3,000 Malawian Kwacha (approx. £3.20) from the VSL for medical costs, which I later repaid.”

The group is 30 strong, all women. “I think it is important to have female only groups. Men can sometimes take a loan and not repay.”
Despite the challenges she has faced, Deliwe is starting to feel optimistic.

“In this village, I was among those who were very poor but when the project came, I was trained in VSL, given goats, and given seeds. I felt I was far behind other people here, but the work in the CCPM has lifted me up.”