100 ABSTRACTS - NUMBER 93 - ALL ABOUT MALAWI

Today’s abstract is a natural one - i.e. not fartnarkled - in that all I have done is used the bottom of a crystal glass over part of a map of Malawi in a book I have just purchased, and then just brightened it a little. 

I decided, as we were going to be giving to the Mamie Martin Fund on a regular basis, then I needed to find out more about Malawi. As you know, by now, this fund helps impoverished girls in North Malawi to obtain a good secondary school education and this is Number 93 in my 100 Abstracts Challenge to raise awareness of the wonderful work that the Fund does. 

Two for One again today, as this shot also fits the bill for the Abstract Thursday challenge, the theme for which is "Repetition" - I think mentioning the Mamie Martin Fund for 93 abstracts definitely counts as repetition!

However it has been quite difficult to find books about Malawi and having discovered that there was one called “The Spirit of Malawi” by Susan Dalgety, I then looked online and found it on the Abe Books website. It was supplied by "WeBuyBooks" based in Lancashire and cost just over £4, including postage and the blurb said it was “used but in excellent condition”.  It arrived within two days, in perfect condition and doesn’t even look as if it’s been read, so I am delighted so today I will be sitting in the garden, in the sun, and reading.  

And now for some facts about Malawi : 

Malawi is a small, landlocked country in southern Africa – it is 560 Miles long and 150 miles across, at its widest and has the third biggest freshwater lake in Africa, Lake Malawi. 

Figures taken from the Malawi National Statistics Office and shown in the book state the following:

1.  Of a population of 18 million 50% are under 18 years of age
2.  The average annual income per person is £323 
3.  Only 3% of households have a flush toilet
4.  52% of households don’t have enough to eat 
5.  Surprisingly or, unsurprisingly 52% of households have a mobile phone.
6.  Average life expectancy is 64 years
7.  The under 5 mortality rate is 10 times higher than in the UK
8.  1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS
9.  42% of girls get married before they are 18 years old
10. There is one teacher for every 59 children in primary school
11. 70% of people over 15 years of age have no educational qualifications.

I’m really looking forward to reading this book, which says on the cover “As you read this book you will be exposed to the other side of Malawi not yet discovered…the real stories of real people…the spirit of Malawi."

“A great book should leave you 
     with many experiences, 
          and slightly exhausted at the end. 
You live several lives while reading.” 
William Styron

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MaureenIles