WORLD OF DIFFERENCE INC

Land development and staple crops: WOD desires to build capacity in our Malawi team for them to lead out in the various initiatives where we hope to have impact. WOD added two key members to our Malawi management team in 2024 including an administrative officer, and a macadamia / agricultural specialist. WOD again employed local community members in short-term / temporary assignments to assist in the implementation of these agricultural projects. The harvest from staple crops of ground nuts, soya, and maize (500 lbs, 1.8 tons, and 2.2 tons respectively) were used in feeding programs with several of our partner organizations and schools, as well as supplementing the resource needs of our agriculture team. The macadamia tree farm was expanded by preparing additional acreage by clearing trees and vegetation and leveling the soil. Holes were dug for an additional 4000+ tree seedlings which will be planted during the rainy season. The goal remains that this will become our source of operational sustainability in the outyears.Agriculture projects: Malawi is ranked 174 out of 189 countries in terms of poverty and relies heavily on agriculture, which employs over 80% of the population. We seek to provide immediate support to local farmers and community members by improving soil health, crop rotation, and teaching the fundamental principles of sustainable crops.WOD hosted three additional agriculture trainings with 50+ participants in each. Each was a 5-day course covering topics such as: swales, water management, zoning, companion planting, soil regeneration, and how to increase crop yields. Participants came from Madesa, Mpunda, Mchiliko, Chitsindo, Mandala, Mchepa, and walked away equipped with basic knowledge and approaches to increase food security at a low cost. A 1 acre parcel was used to establish a demonstration garden which will be used in the agricultural trainings to provide examples of: crop diversification, higher yield crops, companion planting, water management, etc.Education projects: As indicated in the demographic characteristics reported in our 2023 baseline survey, 62.3% in Msundwe, Malawi catchment area have not completed primary education, while only 3.7% have completed secondary education.? Donated over 500 lbs of educational supplies to Mingongo, Mkanga, Maliwa and Mzobwe primary and secondary schools, as well as Thrive and Agape organizations.? Eighteen Malawi volunteers and WODs community senior manager surveyed educationstakeholders in the area, and as a result hosted the first ever inter-school competition. School performance improved as students prepared, and awards of much needed educational resources were given for most accomplished students, and school with the overall best score. The schools have enthusiastically requested help in facilitating another competition in 2025.? As in 2023, again in 2024 our volunteer expedition team, along with 15 Malawi volunteers and our Malawi leadership team, hosted a variety of educational workshops touching on the following topics: women empowerment, male mentorship, agriculture, and jewelry making. We partnered with Eunice Banda, the official Days for Girls representative in Malawi, to deliver a workshop for young girls and women on menstrual hygiene and provided 300 hygiene kits that had been purchased through Zayane Creations, infusing funds into the local economy. More than 350 people from the community participated in these combined workshops.? We finalized designs and drawings, and launched the construction of the community resilience center.Health Projects: In partnership with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, WOD hosted faculty and students as part of our volunteer expedition team. They donated over 400 lbs of medical supplies to: Malawi College of Health Sciences, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Nthondo and Mingongo rural clinics, and Child Legal International Hospital.The medical team also accomplished the following:? Continued partnership with Thrive, which provides rehabilitation services, specialized equipment, special education and nutrition support for children with disabilities. The team created learning resources to support the organizations leadership and care providers. Also completed assessments to the ENT department at Kamuzu Central and Audiology at ABC.? ER doctor and DNP taught BCLS / ACLS training for 50+ providers at ABC clinic, as well as emergency room assessments.? PT faculty Collaborated with Kamuzu Centrals physio therapy department to assess needs and priorities and how we might assist in 2025.? Optometrist completed assessments, exams, surgeries and treatments at Eyes for Africa located at Child Legacy Hospital.? Partnered with Child Legacy Hospital providers to host rural health campaign. Completed screenings, and preventative assessments for over 300 participants (men, women, and children under 5 yrs) from surrounding communities. Those with urgent needs referred to Child Legacy or St. Gabriels for treatment and care. This was a huge success and will be repeated in 2025.