BROTHERS IN ARMS INITIATIVE
Bringing hope to at-risk youth in Blantyre through discipleship, education, vocational training, and sports outreach.
About Us
Advocating Change
Brothers In Arms emerged from a local church's commitment to addressing the needs of homeless youth in Blantyre. What began as simply offering meals to young people living on the streets after church has grown into a larger mission Our goal is to mentor and equip these youth with the skills to earn a without resorting to begging. We aspire to help them reconnect with their families, and with the dedication of volunteers, staff, and partners, we aim to enhance the lives of street kids in Blantyre. Reach out to us learn how you can contribute to positive change.
ACTIVITIES
CYCLONE FREDDY RELIEF
Between March 12 and 13, Southern Malawi experienced 6 months of rainfall due to Cyclone Freddy. The heavy rain and wind caused mudslides on the mountains, taking out whole households. The rain and wind itself caused many poorly built homes to crumble. Across the Southern Region, 553,614 people have been displaced and are living in 540 camps. There are 537 people missing and 507 people have died.
While this has been a national tragedy, it has created an opportunity for Brothers in Arms to reach even greater into the needs of our surrounding community.
To learn more, click the link below to head to our page dedicated to updating you on how we are supporting victims of the cyclone.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY IMPACT CENTER
In January of 2022 we began breaking ground on our Community Impact Center located in Lunzu, just 30 minutes outside Blantyre. Over the year we have built a multifunctional building that has a dorm room, classroom and library/teachers lounge, along with toilets, a mentor's house, a dining hall, a community well and farm. Over the year we have worked with 20 young men and have seen exponential growth in their maturity, spirituality and education.
EDUCATION
Over the last three years, Brother's in Arms has provided catch up classes for its participants. These classes have helped fill the gaps that were missing from time spent on the street and not in school. The boys have grown in their reading, writing and basic math, allowing them to reintegrate in to the government school. We are currently running a government level Form 1 class in which we have 20 students; 16 who are former street connected youth and 4 that come from the surrounding village.
Our goal in education is to create a space for those who do not thrive in a traditional education context. We desire to bring in those who struggle. Our classes offer tutoring, extra attention and mentoring for those who need it.
FARMING
Farming has always been a foundational value for Brothers in Arms. Through farming we are able to cut down our operational expenses and give our students a way to use their hands.
Farming was not a part of the first half of 2022 as we focused on developing the Community Impact Center. In August we drilled a borehole and began our farming efforts again; this time adding pigs and chickens.
Tending to the land builds character and stamina. Farmers often face hardship as they put forth effort into their farm; sometimes not yielding the reward they hoped. Over the years these young men have grown in character through farming. They have been committed and dedicated to take care of their crops and deal with the disappointments they have met along the way.
BIBLE STUDY & MENTORSHIP
One of our foundational values is studying the Word of God and one on one mentorship. We have seen great growth in their lives as they hunger and thirst for spiritual wisdom and knowledge.
EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
Whether it be Christmas, Easter or Independence Day, we find a way to celebrate! Throughout the year we gather all the homeless youth to celebrate with dancing, a hot meal, a message of encouragement, and gifts of whatever we can find; clothing, soap, basic hygiene essentials and blankets.
SPORTS
Our football team is back and in action! They practice twice a week and often times have friendly matches on the weekends, two of which they have won! Football has been a source of fun and physical activity and also a platform to grow character through teamwork, humility and good sportsmanship.
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PARTNER WITH US!
"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." – Mother Teresa
We believe in partnership! We have only come so far by the love and support of individuals and churches near and far. Through your donations, the gospel of hope and restoration comes alive. We can do great things to bring about change among the homeless youth of Blantyre.
Your support goes strictly to the ministry efforts such as meals for participants, keeping the chicken coop running, farming and education materials and paying the teacher and farming mentor's salary.
We invite you to be apart of Brother's Keeper Initiative, whether that be through prayer, financial donations or coming to spend a week, month or year with us, you are welcome.
CONTACT US
Get in touch with Brothers In Arms to discover more about our work and how to donate. We thank you for your support.
Blantyre, Malawi
+265992147235
