Jika and her sisters

Safe and secure

Since the death of both her parents, Jika (18) has been looking after her little sisters, Lucy and Dora. Life was tough living in a small unsafe hut.

A simple Habitat home has changed everything for the family; they are safe, healthy and hopeful for the future. Jika told us, “Not even in my dreams did I imagine living in a house like this. We have shelter and feel safe and secure. Thank you.”

In Malawi, 4 out of 5 families live in poorly built homes made of mud bricks, dirt floors and grass thatched roofs. Homes constantly need repair and families are at high risk of disease.

The poorest are the worst affected, including the 1.4 million children who are orphaned and vulnerable, largely as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Last year, funds raised by Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland supported 7 families like Jika’s. By building simple homes, facilitating training on HIV and malaria prevention and encouraging will writing, children and their families are uplifted for generation to come.