OFFICIAL OPENING OF CHUZU

Local dignitaries and honoured guests visit the Chuzu project

May 6, 2022 saw the hall finally open its doors to the Chuzu public. The largest leadership figure in the area, called the Traditional Authority (TA), was represented as the Guest of Honor, and led in the opening ceremony starting with a 360-degree tour of the hall premises. In attendance were more than 10 female and male chiefs of the surrounding villages, some Group Village Headmen, and members of the local Compact Board. They were shown the permaculture site, the borehole, and the composting toilets in addition to appreciating the size, nature, and multiple usage of the rammed earth building that was standing tall for all to see after being under construction since July 2021.

Tour of Permaculture and rammed earth building

The TA recognized the investment made and the dedication of the community members to do their part to ensure that the contractors lacked nothing as they raised the structure. He lauded the safe space and the provision of solar electricity that would extend the hours of light for after school programs. He emphasized that the community had a responsibility to take care of the building and utilizing the building to its maximum. Furthermore, use of the building for religious purposes would ensure that the area had less issues for the TA and his chiefs to resolve and consequently be more peaceful. He celebrated Compact for the massive investment and requested a technical education and vocation center where the youth in the area could learn some skills for self-employment.

We thank you for the support that has enabled Compact to help Chuzu to be self-sustaining little by little.

By Michael Mainje Vice President

Patson Katimba

We wish to honor and record our grateful thanks to Patson Katimba who passed away May 13th 2022. He first introduced us to the people of Chuzu some 6-7 years ago and helped make the vision of Compact a reality by bringing God’s blessing to rural villages of Malawi. He made many visits to Chuzu and has been to many other sites not yet talked about by Compact. He was a man of vision.

Permaculture has taken root and is beginning to change the landscape of this once arid place