Royal West Academy's Social Justice Club and Environment Committee are jointly raising funds to build a well in Bwanali Village, Malawi.

Why Malawi?

Malawi is a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa.

It has been a multi-party democracy since its new constitution was put in place in 1994. However, the political environment in Malawi is often described as "challenging" because of dreadlock in its legislature.

Malawi's economy is largely depended on agriculture; a significant portion of its population practices subsistence farming. 65.3% of Malawi's population lives below the poverty line. Infant mortality is quite high, at about 178/1000. The life expectancy on average is of 39.8 years. (figures from WaterAid America)

In addition to these challenges, foreign aid is beginning to dry up for Malawi. In fact, Canada recently cut Malawi off from aid.

Why Bwanali Village? 

Bwanali Village desperately needs a well; the one that's currently being used is over 50 years old and contaminated ground water leaks into the well's water supply during the rainy season, resulting in epidemics of water borne diseases (cholera, parasites, etc.). The children of the village currently spend as much as 5 hours a day getting water: they walk for half an hour and wait for 2 hours for their turn at the pump before and after school each day. You could say they've truly been robbed of their childhood!

Through which organization will this well be built?

The well will be built by Makupo Development Group. Makupo Development Group is a small non-profit organization in Montreal raising money to help communities in the Makupo area so they can become self-sufficient and get beyond basic survival to improve their lives.

How much should I ideally contribute to this campaign during the course of the year?

The well will cost somewhere between $8,000 and $10,000. Therefore, we hope that many RWA students will be able to contribute between $12 and $15 to this cause. No student is required to participate in this fundraiser, but it is strongly encouraged. Together, we can improve the lives of 2000 people in a measurable, concrete way! Let's make a difference and change the world!

How will the money be collected?

Two people from each homeroom will help collect and count money. If you'd like to give to this fundraiser, simply speak to your homeroom's Makupo Team representative.