About ten Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Malawi have put smiles on the faces of visually impaired learners at Salima Resource Centre for the Blind, donating assorted items to support the basic needs of 26 learners currently enrolled at the campus.

Led by Canadian cooperative expert Jo Ha, who personally presented gifts to the learners, the SACCOs engaged in various activities including painting classrooms, painting the fence, planting trees, and sharing lunch with the children.

Speaking during the event, Jo Ha, who previously visited the centre in 2022, said she felt deeply connected to the facility.

“The Salima Resource Centre is dear to my heart because it offers shelter and education to vulnerable children, I urge all SACCOs across the country to continue working together to bring positive change in our communities,” saidJo Ha. 

United Civil Servants SACCO Chief Executive Officer, Francis Waliwa, commended Jo Ha for returning to Malawi, describing her second visit as a symbol of SACCOs’ global mission to uplift those in need.

“We are inspired by Jo Ha’s dedication, her second visit shows a shared commitment to supporting the needy. At UCSSACCO, we remain committed to helping provide for these learners’ basic needs,” said Waliwa .

Andrew Nkhoma, Teacher In-Charge at Salima Resource Centre, expressed gratitude for the donation, adding that the learners’ academic performance continues to improve.

“These learners stay motivated to achieve their goals despite their challenges, support like this helps them thrive and builds their confidence,” Nkhoma explained.

Among the SACCOs participating in the donation drive were United Civil Servants, Mudi, Police, Mphunzitsi, Fincoop, UN, Limbe Leaf, and Msilikali SACCOs, alongside the Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO), which also contributed to the initiative.

Established by missionaries in 1970 under Salima LEA Primary School, the resource centre has been supported by United Civil Servants SACCO since 2018. Over the years, the SACCO has helped build a perimeter fence, rehabilitate classrooms, provide braille learning materials, and ensure daily meals for the learners.