In Brief
About Us
Chinthowa Development Trust is a UK-based charity improving lives in rural Malawi through education, clean water, orphan care, feeding support and sustainable community development.
- Founded from a 2001 response to famine and emergency need in Malawi.
- Helped build Chinthowa Primary School, support orphaned children and install clean water boreholes.
- Continues to invest in food security, agriculture, girls’ education and long-term opportunity.
Support our work today and help transform lives in Chinthowa, Malawi.
Chinthowa Development Trust: Transforming Lives in Malawi
Chinthowa Development Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving lives in rural Malawi. Since 2001, we have supported education, clean water access, orphan care, and sustainable community development in the village of Chinthowa.
Our mission is simple: to empower communities through education, sustainability, and opportunity.
Our History: From Small Beginnings to Lasting Impact
Our journey began in 2001 when we met the Mdala family from Malawi. Through them, we learned about the devastating famine affecting Sub-Saharan Africa.
With the help of friends and family, we began raising funds to provide:
- Food supplies, including maize and cooking oil
- Blankets and essential aid
- Emergency support for vulnerable families
This marked the beginning of our long-term commitment to charitable work in Malawi.
2003: Orphan Sponsorship and Clean Water
In 2003, we launched our Orphan Sponsorship Programme, allowing donors to support children in need for just GBP 5-10 per month.
This initiative helped provide food, nutrition, clothing, school supplies, and safe, stable care environments. At the same time, we funded a clean water borehole, reducing waterborne diseases and improving health across the village.
2007-2012: Building a School in Chinthowa
During our first visit to Malawi in 2007, we witnessed extreme poverty but also incredible resilience.
We identified a key issue: lack of access to education. Children were walking miles to reach the nearest school. This led to a major decision – to build a primary school in Chinthowa.
Construction of Chinthowa Primary School began in 2009, with strong support from the local community.
- Villagers were trained in construction skills
- Classrooms and teachers’ houses were built
- Local employment opportunities were created
The school officially opened in September 2012, providing education to hundreds of children.
Education Growth and Community Development
Since opening, the school has expanded to nearly 1,500 pupils, added multiple classroom blocks, built an IT centre powered by solar energy, and supported students progressing to secondary and higher education.
Education remains at the heart of our mission.
Clean Water and Health Improvements
Access to clean water has been critical in improving health outcomes.
We have installed multiple boreholes in 14 Malawi villages, reduced waterborne diseases, and improved sanitation and hygiene awareness.
2015-2016: Crisis Response
Extreme weather caused severe food shortages across Malawi.
We responded by launching a School Feeding Programme, providing daily meals to over 1,000 children. This improved nutrition, increased school attendance, and supported vulnerable families and elderly residents.
2020: Covid-19 Response and Economic Support
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we supported the community by providing health education and hygiene supplies, supporting families affected by market closures, and launching a Micro-Loan Programme for small businesses.
Projects included tailoring, farming, and local trade – helping families become financially independent.
Sustainable Development and Agriculture
To tackle poverty long-term, we introduced an Agricultural Cooperative for landless families, training in sustainable farming methods, and crop diversification and food security programmes.
These initiatives help communities become self-sufficient and resilient.
Our Impact in Malawi
Through our work in Chinthowa, we have:
- Built a fully functioning primary school
- Supported hundreds of orphaned children
- Provided clean water access
- Delivered daily meals to over 1,500 children
- Created jobs and skills training opportunities
- Funded pathways to secondary and higher education
Our Vision for the Future
We are committed to expanding education opportunities, supporting girls’ education and empowerment, increasing access to clean water, and tackling climate change challenges.
Future work includes planting fruit trees to improve nutrition and sustainability, and working with Loughborough University to provide the Agricultural Cooperative with an Aftrak mini tractor to help increase crop yield and provide solar power for the village.
You can help transform lives in Malawi.
By sponsoring a child or donating to our projects, you will provide education, food, clean water and hope for a better future.
Donate today and support lasting change in Chinthowa.