It had been clear for some time that moving was going to be an inevitable choice for Nicole. We are very happy to report that they now have a new one, found a good location to continue its activities.
What preceded it.
By 2011 Nicole van Elteren decided to dedicate her life from now on to helping and taking care of needy children in Malawi. She founded the Africana Foundation for this purpose ((loosely translated, Children of Africa).
In Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, there is a structural famine, especially among very young children. Many young parents die of AIDS and lack of food. As a result, grandparents have to take care of their grandchildren, while they barely have enough to eat themselves.
Nicole's aid project started with the distribution of milk powder and medical care. Very soon she was asked to take care of children who did not receive the necessary care at home.
This is how the children's home in Nkhoma was born. Over the past twelve years, dozens have been allowed to grow up in that protected environment where, in addition to food, clothing, medical care as well as education.
Naturally, Nicole's activities expanded with support to the local population by distributing manure and maize, so that people can grow their own food.
All of this happened from the house that Nicole had been given by the local church. Years ago, this church received plots of land from the local tribes for shelter, organize medical care and accommodation. All these tasks are performed by volunteers, like Nicole, that operate independently and under its own management. They all independently finance their work.
In order to do her work, Nicole therefore depends on the support she receives from the Africana Foundation. The Africana Foundation depends on donations from private individuals, companies and foundations, and from the proceeds of the second-hand goods store MalawiShop, in the 2020 specially opened for this purpose.
Unfortunately, the church has become increasingly interfering with Nicole's work. And in particular with the finances of the Africana Foundation. The church board is of the opinion that Nicole should donate part of this to the church. Nicole has always refused to do so. She believes that the resources available should be used to help the people and not the church. After all, One of the biggest problems in Malawi is corruption.
For Nicole it ultimately meant that she had to decide to stop her work in Nkhomo and to look for a new location to take care of children. Also a couple from Canada with whom Nicole worked intensively, has decided to move to another place in order to continue to help the residents. They were also made impossible to work.
Fortunately, Nicole has found a new home, in the suburb of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. It is a beautiful house from where she can pick up and continue her beautiful work. All furniture, the playground equipment and its own electricity supply based on solar panels have since been moved.
The advantage of her new place of residence is that she now lives much closer to all amenities, like shops, schools and hospitals. That saves many kilometers of driving.
Time will tell exactly how Nicole will fulfill her important work, but fortunately she is now again enthusiastically active for the residents and especially the children of Malawi.
Nicole expresses her great gratitude for the great support she continues to receive from many.
We keep everyone informed of the latest developments.
