An Idea Who’s Time Has Come

    The Malawi Project was created in the year 2000 after two of its founders, Richard (Dick) and Diana (Suzi) Stephens of Indianapolis, Indiana had been serving in Malawi, Africa since 1993. During those years they experienced the intense need of its people. A vision was formed to create a conduit through which humanitarian aid could be funneled to a number of associate programs. This would not be a project that would imitate aid program endeavors of the past. It would be based on a different set of principles. In a practical sense the Malawi Project would be an incubator where new programs could be birthed, established programs could be nourished, then both given independence to grow and prosper. Today the Malawi Project serves the people of Malawi in every region of the nation.

    These associated programs do not have a profit-making goal, but are designed to be benevolent groups serving the physical and spiritual needs of the nation. They may be without sufficient capital, or in need of equipment or expertise to accomplish the lofty goals they have set for themselves. The Malawi Project comes in as a partner and provides the needed resources to help them get on their feet. After this is done the organization is expected to be self-sufficient.

    The Malawi Project owns no property or vehicles in Malawi and works at the discretion of the Malawians who desire its presence. As aid programs exist around the world, the Malawi Project is unique. Members of the Project are sensitive not to create an unhealthy dependency that will lead to American oversight and management of the programs that should be carried out by the local people themselves. Three overriding principles help to govern the work of the project.

1.    “It is not about the plan, the program, or the project. It is about the people.”     This principle helps keep the Project members focused on what is important. It is the people.

2.    “Do not give a man a fish, but teach him to fish so he will survive when you are gone.” This principle keeps the Project focused on creating incentive programs, not programs of dependency.

3.    “Do not do for us what we can do for ourselves.”  This principle keeps the     Project members focused on having Malawians as equal partners, and doing equal work.

    The Malawi Project functions in the areas of medicine, education, widow/orphan care, assistance for the handicapped and aged, agriculture, famine assistance, and the spiritual development of responsible citizens who will make a contribution to their home, village, community, church and nation.

    The Malawi Project Inc. is a 501c3 humanitarian aid organization chartered in the state of Indiana in the United States of America. It is tax-exempt under the rules and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States. Contributions are tax deductible.