Projects > Education > Freeplay Energy Supporting the Malawi Union of the Blind

Lisa Burger, of Freeplay Energy, teaches students how to use the Lifeline radio
The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) is an advocate organization for the rights and needs of blind and visually impaired people in Malawi.  The organization was formed in 1994 with assistance from the African Union of the Blind (AFUB) and has 19 active branches throughout the country and 3000 registered members.

The main problem this organization is trying to address is the lack of sensitization of the humanitarian situation in Malawi, where life expectancy is as low as 36.5 years, and the main per capita income is less than 1 US dollar per day.  Economic development in Malawi is halted due to many factors, such as insufficient nutrition, poor access to medical services, low income, insufficient school education, a nation-wide 66% illiteracy rate, the spread of HIV/AIDS and the corruption in leadership.  There is also a poor distribution of resources and information to the majority of the population, attributing to poor communication on all levels.

The large majority of people in Malawi live in isolation due to a lack of access to information.  Despite the fact that there are 16 radio stations in the country, access to ownership of a radio, and a lack of steady income to buy batteries, is out of reach for the vast majority.  In particularly, this affects people with a disability, especially those that are blind, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is 1.5% of the African population.

A student from the Malawi Union of the Blind, using the Lifeline radio
To address this problem, MUB together with the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (NABP) launched a pilot-radio-project in the Lower Shire region.  With the help of Freeplay Energy, they were able to distribute 12 Lifeline radios to 12 radio guardians who were members of MUB.  These radio guardians formed radio clubs within their community, allowing others to share the radio, receiving access to information and education.

After 6 months an impact assessment was carried out and found that each radio club had on average 15 people listening to different programs.  Due to the access to information, these peoples’ lives have radically transformed.  They are now motivated to stimulate dialogue and are enhancing a new way of thinking.  By having access to information, this positive change is on-going.

Introducing Freeplay Energy Lifeline radios in other districts of Malawi will guarantee access to information, especially for those in rural areas, and more so the blind and partially sighted people.  Furthermore, due to the success of the pilot project, MUB would like to distribute a further 180 Lifeline radios in 18 districts, however, due to limited funding, MUB are not able to do this alone.  Should you wish to make a donation in support of this project, or require more information, please contact Agustin Sambola, Programme Director NABP Africa.  (Email: agustin.sambola [at] blindeforbundet [dot] no)

Agustin Sambola