We decided to concentrate first on Malawi because it is a very poor country that is stable, enjoys religious tolerance and puts a high premium on education. Malawi is rarely in the spotlight when it comes to African aid. It is referred to as the “warm heart of Africa.”

Malawi is one of the smallest African countries, about the size of Pennsylvania. It is densely populated (for its size) with a population of approximately 12 million, most of whom live in the rural areas. Malawi achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and has a democratic republic form of Government with elections every five years. English is widely spoken and taught in schools. It borders with Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. The economy is predominately agricultural but the country depends on substantial economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank and individual donor nations. The greatest crisis facing Malawi is poverty. It is estimated that about half of the country is Christian, 12% Islamic and various other faiths and sects make up the remaining 38%. There is a high degree of religious tolerance between all religions, which contributes to the generally peaceful state of affairs in Malawi.