Rural Development Partners

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

A few days ago, we celebrated the rehabilitation of the borehole at Vongo Primary School, now providing clean water to 600+ learners and the surrounding community. On 30th September 2025, Rural Development Partners (RDP) went a step further by training the community to ensure this water source lasts for generations.

The session brought together the new Water Point Committee, parents, teachers, leaders, and 25 students. They learnt proper hygiene at the borehole, safe water use, and the importance of contributing a small fund for maintenance tools.

Miss Adina Benia inspired students to lead as young water stewards, urging them to report damage early and set an example for others. The day was brightened by a learner’s moving poem, “Water is Life,” which reminded all of the value of safe water.

The Deputy Headteacher praised RDP for fulfilling a long-awaited promise, pledging that the community will safeguard the borehole for years to come.

At RDP, we believe sustainability comes from community mobilisation, ownership, and empowerment. By equipping communities with skills and responsibility, we are not just fixing boreholes; we are securing health, education, and resilience.

Join us in spreading the message: Water is life — let’s protect it together!

𝑪𝙡𝒆𝙖𝒏 𝑾𝙖𝒕𝙚𝒓 𝑩𝙧𝒊𝙣𝒈𝙨 𝙃𝒐𝙥𝒆 𝒕𝙤 𝙑𝒐𝙣𝒈𝙤 𝙋𝒓𝙞𝒎𝙖𝒓𝙮 𝙎𝒄𝙝𝒐𝙤𝒍

For more than 11 years, Vongo Primary School and its surrounding community lived without access to clean and safe water. When the school’s borehole broke down, students and teachers had no choice but to walk over 3 kilometres to fetch dirty water from the Rukulu River — the same river used for bathing, washing clothes, and for animals to drink.

The impact was severe. Cholera outbreaks claimed lives, and many children missed school. Some stayed home because they felt shy to go without bathing, while others arrived late after long walks for water and feared punishment. Teachers, too, were affected — over the years, many requested transfers, moving out because of the lack of a reliable water source.

However, change began when Rural Development Partners (RDP), in collaboration with our partner Love a Village from Canada, provided Vongo Primary School with a water filter in 2024. This simple yet powerful tool now ensures that 750 learners and 7 teachers have access to clean and safe drinking water right on school premises.

In the words of the headteacher:

“Life has been very hard for us, but the coming of the RDP brought us hope. The water filter is helping our students to stay healthy and safe from waterborne diseases. Already, we have seen an increase in the number of learners attending school, because they know they can drink clean water while they are here. We are very thankful, and we look forward with hope, since RDP and their partners have promised to try their best to bring a permanent water source closer to us.”

At RDP, we believe that every child deserves the dignity of learning in a healthy environment. We are grateful to Love a Village (Canada) for their support in making clean water available to Vongo Primary School.

Together, we are not just providing safe water — we are keeping children in school, giving teachers a reason to stay, and restoring hope for the future. With you giving hands, together we can do more than this.

Love a Village

𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 (𝐑𝐃𝐏) 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟗𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐙𝐈𝐌𝐁𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑

From Wednesday to today, Rural Development Partners (RDP) joined farmers, organisations, and stakeholders at the 9th Mzimba North Agriculture Fair held at Tayifa Mzuzu Ground. The three-day event was a vibrant space where farmers connected with customers, discovered market opportunities, and built lasting relationships.

RDP proudly showcased pure honey harvested by farmers we have supported with beehives, Mwavi and Giant Bamboo seedlings for sustainable forestry, water filters to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water, and beautiful handmade bags crafted by farmers during the off-farming season through our training programmes.

The Guest of Honour, Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD) Programme Manager Mr. Underson Chikomola, described the fair as a powerful platform for strengthening market linkages and the agricultural value chain. He noted that such initiatives align perfectly with Malawi Vision 2063, which aims to create a self-reliant and economically empowered nation.

We are proud to have supported this event both through our participation and financial contribution. As we close the fair today, RDP remains committed to empowering rural farmers, creating market opportunities, and building a stronger future for our communities.

Scroll through the photos below to see the highlights from this inspiring event.

@ Love a Village