2014 Newsletter – A Letter from our President

Tom Vitaglione • November 29, 2014

Missed the 2014 MCV Newsletter in the mail? Read it here on the blog. Below is the newsletter’s opening address from MCV Board President Tom Vitaglione. You can find other stories from the newsletter on our blog here or access the complete newsletter in PDF  form on our print media page.

Dear Donors and Friends,

In the 1990s, Malawi was devastated by the AIDS epidemic, resulting in an estimated 900,000 orphans nationwide. The social structure was near collapse. But Malawi is known for its resilience, and this resilience spawned dreams of a brighter future. Among these dreams was Malawi Children’s Village, a dream that became a reality in 1996.

Now in its eighteenth year, MCV has continued to evolve in meeting the needs of 2,500-3,500 orphans annually in a 38 village area. The initial focus was on infant survival. With the introduction of drugs treating HIV/AIDS and in partnership with Open Arms, a British-sponsored infant-toddler care program, infant survival went from 50% to 80%. As we realized that malaria was an even greater threat to pre-school children, insecticide-treated bed-nets were introduced thanks to support from Kansas City area Rotary Clubs. The malaria case rate and death rate dropped by 80%.

Recognizing that education is critical, MCV began encouraging households to send all their children, orphans and non-orphans alike, to school. The overall school attendance rate increased from 45% to 85%. School-to-School projects strengthened the primary schools, and donations from all across the country provided stipends for secondary school tuition.

MCV found it would be better to actually operate a secondary school. With initial assistance from Solace International, Gracious Secondary School now serves more than 400 students annually, including 100 orphans. In addition, the Vocational School offers courses in carpentry, auto mechanics, and an acclaimed sewing program.

Individual donors and Rotary support made it possible for orphan graduates to receive post-secondary training. MCV now lists a physician, three nurses, several agriculture specialists, numerous teachers and even a few politicians among its “alumni.”

Along the way, community development projects have assisted the villages. With support from western NY Rotary clubs, 19 irrigation projects are going strong. Clean water now flows at the MCV campus and Open Arms, thanks to Engineers without Borders, S. C. Alaska Chapter.

During all this evolution, there has been one constant: the donors who have made the initial dream an on-going reality. We are in awe, because most donors will never visit MCV.   Our donors truly exemplify selfless giving and for this MCV and its orphans are eternally grateful.

Tsalani Bwino,

Tom Vitaglione, Board President

  Look out for the next article in the newsletter, a story of a successful MCV Graduate, on Monday.

A Simple Net That Saves Lives

March 10, 2026
Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of death among young children in Malawi. The under-five mortality rate has historically been as high as 20%, with nearly half of those deaths linked to malaria. Preventing infection during their earliest years is critical. One effective way to... The post A Simple Net That Saves Lives appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

Construction Begins to Protect Teacher Housing from Flooding

By Caroline Matkom • March 3, 2026
Construction has officially commenced to reduce flooding around the MCV teacher housing compound! Our team has started digging new drainage channels behind the buildings to help move water away from the houses during heavy rains. These efforts come in response to the cyclone that struck Mangochi in March... The post Construction Begins to Protect Teacher Housing from Flooding appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

Growing Hope: Demonstration Garden Fights Food Insecurity

By Caroline Matkom • January 30, 2026
Food insecurity continues to worsen across Malawi each year. Extreme weather, rising costs, and repeated crop losses leave people struggling to grow enough food to feed their families. MCV is taking steps to support sustainable solutions. One exciting example is MCV’s very first demonstration garden. The garden was... The post Growing Hope: Demonstration Garden Fights Food Insecurity appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

MCV 2025 Impact-By the Numbers

By Madeline Turner • January 16, 2026
Because of your support, 2025 was a year of meaningful, measurable impact for children and families across our communities. Here’s what we accomplished together: To review our 2025 year-please review our newsletter!. Every number represents a life strengthened, a family supported, and a future made more secure. Thank... The post MCV 2025 Impact-By the Numbers appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

104 little learners. One classroom. A whole community of care.

By Madeline Turner • December 18, 2025
💛 In the village of Bolera, a preschool classroom is filled with 104 children, songs, stories, and laughter. With a teacher leading through music and care—her own baby tied securely on her back—children learn how to play, share, and look out for one another. Among them are children... The post 104 little learners. One classroom. A whole community of care. appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

Giving Tuesday!

By Madeline Turner • December 2, 2025
Giving Tuesday: Open the Door to Hope Today is Giving Tuesday! Today is when compassion turns into action. Help open the door to hope for vulnerable children. At Malawi Children’s Village, every gift strengthens the safety net for children who depend on us for stability, health, and opportunity. Your... The post Giving Tuesday! appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

2025 Newsletter is here!

By Madeline Turner • November 20, 2025
The 2025 Newsletter is here and should be hitting your mailbox this week. To read the online version, click here! Here is an excerpt from the newsletter. MCV 2025 Impact-By the Numbers By Felix Chirombo, MCV’s Director The post 2025 Newsletter is here! appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

Investing in Hope: MCV-US Board Meeting

By Madeline Turner • October 5, 2025
The MCV–United States Board meets in person once a year, with all expenses personally covered by board members (no MCV donations or resources are used). These annual gatherings provide an important opportunity for strategic planning, ensuring that our goals remain aligned with MCV’s mission and that we continue... The post Investing in Hope: MCV-US Board Meeting appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

2025 Special Needs Program Update

By Madeline Turner • September 12, 2025
Special Needs Program 2025: Successes over the last year:411 clinic visits213 total clients18 wheelchairs / tricycles12 kids supported in specialneeds school30 kids supported in earlydevelopment schools Every Child Makes A Difference! See the entire newsletter here: 2025 Special Needs Newsletter. A Day in the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Clinic... The post 2025 Special Needs Program Update appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.

Malawi Children’s Village Summer Updates

By Madeline Turner • June 5, 2025
Our summer online newsletter is here! Learn more about how Malawi Children’s Village supports orphans/vulnerable children in Malawi for the past 25 years! You can download your own copy by clicking below! Thank you to our donors for making all that we do possible! To donate, please go... The post Malawi Children’s Village Summer Updates appeared first on Malawi Children's Village.
More Posts