The document describes the work of the Love Support Unite Foundation in Malawi. It summarizes the founding of Tilinanu Orphanage in 2009 to help vulnerable girls in Malawi. It also describes the Foundation's expansion over time to include various outreach projects to support communities through initiatives like microloans, medical clinics, infrastructure projects, and more. The overall goal is to empower people and communities to improve lives in a sustainable way.

1. ww.lsufoundation.co.uk
WE ARE LOVEwww.lovesupportunite.ORG
LOVE
SUPPORT
UNITE

2. In Loving Memory of Mercy
Mkandawire
Mercy was a mother to us all. She lived every day to its fullest;
always putting the needs of others before her own. Mercy
brought so much into the lives of others, with her vision,
compassion, commitment, and determination.
Mercy was the back bone of the community, the root and
heartbeat of Tilinanu. She was a quiet warrior, fighting for those
who needed it most. She was more than simply a mother, more
than a friend, she was a shining beacon.
Anyone who came into contact with LSU and Tilinanu - be it
volunteers, donors, the girls themselves or our families - will
carry the memory of her for the rest of their lives. Mercy has
been more than an influence upon all of us; she has been an
example of pure strength, of pure love.
Mercy’s life will have an effect on every generation to come. We
already bear witness to the fruits of Mercy’s efforts, shining out
through the lives of those she has raised, loved, and touched.
Thank you for being our mother, our sister, our friend, and
our guide.
Tilinanu Orphanage (A.H.P), and your family, will always be
supported by us. Your family is our family, and we are united in
your memory. You shall forever live on with your legacy.
May you now rest in love and peace.

4. Could you make a difference?

5. The warm heart of Africa
Malawi is a small Eastern African country with an area of 118,484 square
kilometres and estimated national population of 16.7 million. Landlocked
and bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia, its topography is
extremely varied and has a distinct wet and dry season. With a combination
of landscapes, lake, wildlife and culture, it is one of Africa’s most beautiful
and compact countries.
The land of the “Lake of Stars”, Lake Malawi is 350 miles long and 47 miles
at its widest point. Covering roughly one fifth of the country, it is the ninth
largest lake in world. The people of Malawi are known for their warmth,
hospitality, and unique culture. Renowned by travellers for being some of
the friendliest people on earth, there is no doubt that this is the warm heart
of Africa.
Despite all its charm, Malawi is also one of the poorest countries in the
world, ranking 170th out of 187 countries. Life expectancy stands at
approximately 54.8 years and much of its population, particularly those
residing in rural areas, live in very vulnerable positions. HIV/AIDS is among
the most intense in the world with over a million people living with the
disease and malaria is the central cause of infant mortality. Poor nutrition, a
lack of clean water and sanitation, an outdated education system and lack of
adequate healthcare all add to the ongoing problems that the country has to
face. With agriculture being the biggest industry, severe droughts or periods
of rain can face communities with little or no food as well as no income.
The Love Support Unite Foundations work in Malawi is fundamental to
recognising problems and solving them in the most ethical and sustainable
way.
MALAWI
“I WENT TO SLEEP DREAMING OF MALAWI AND ALL THE THINGS
MADE POSSIBLE WHEN YOUR DREAMS ARE
POWERED BY YOUR HEART”
William Kamkwamba

6. Who we are
The Love Support Unite Volunteer Foundation was founded upon the
principle that to bring about truly positive, sustainable change, you must
provide communities with the tools to help themselves. Empowering people
to make a lasting change to their own lives rather than simply providing aid,
we can decisively alleviate poverty and economic inequality. Our role is to
provide individuals with the tools and platform to transform their own lives.
With a wide range of differing projects underway across Malawi, our team
of volunteers work alongside individuals and communities, rather than for
them. We work alongside other charities, as we believe that with a common
goal and ethos we can create effective building blocks to bring about far
greater change.
Tilinanu in Chichewa means “always with you”
Where it all began
There probably are not many orphanages set up as a result of sticking a pin
in a map, but when Alice Pulford set out for Malawi on her gap year in 2007,
she had little idea of the journey she was about to embark upon. The recent
death of her grandfather, Alan Herbert Pulford, spurred Alice on, as she
set out on her quest to make him proud and follow his example of helping
people.
Whilst teaching at St Johns School in Lilongwe, Alice was struck by the
damaging effects of corporate volunteer companies and their lack of
connection with the people and communities they were supposedly there to
support. Recognising the potential to develop a charity managed in a truly
ethical and significantly more effective manner, Alice returned to Malawi
the following year. By the end of her gap year, at 19 years of age, Alice set
about to create a 100% non-profit charity.
Established in 2009, Tilinanu Orphanage has gone from strength to strength,
whilst remaining true to this original ethos. Still 100% non-profit, Tilinanu
has proven that this ethos can become a reality. Furthermore, recognising
wider opportunities to bring a change on a wider scale, Love Support Unite
Foundation (hereby referred to as LSU) was established. The volunteer
foundation not only helps to sustain Tilinanu but now manages a series of
outreach projects, with volunteers working alongside local communities.

7. The Journey
From Strength to Strength!
2009
2014
August 2010 TILINANU
doubled in size &
extended to 34 girls
August 2009
tilinanu’s first room
built
Sept 2011 music
centre built
August 2011 Katie
set up The FIRST BOYS
HOME
July 2012 vocational
centre built
AUgust 2012 vaccinations
began - 70,000+ IS THE
AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WE HAVE
NOW VACCINATED IN 2014
Sept 2012 first
granny houses BUILT
Feb 2013 outreach
projects begin
Sept 2013 LSU
officially formed and
new programs started
Feb 2014 first micro
loans issued
AUGUST 2013 ZOE TEAMED
UP WITH KATIE & SET UP
THE SECOND BOYS HOME
May 2014 Mkunkdu
school built
October 2014 teach
a teacher programme
began
Oct 2010
porridge scheme began &
400 children fed each day

8. 80% OF Malawians suffer from stunted
growth due to poor nutrition

9. The Mkandawire Family
Alice and Nina were first introduced to the Mkandawire family in 2009 by
Gift Zulu, nephew of Mercy Mkandawire. Mercy Mkandawire would become
more than a just a mother figure and friend to Alice and Nina, but a partner
in instigating social change.
At the age of 50, Mercy had fought against the patriarchal culture - still
dominant in Malawi today - throughout her entire life. Alice, Mercy and the
entire Pulford family worked alongside one another to establish Tilinanu
Orphanage for girls in Area 49 of Lilongwe. Mercy’s husband, Benson,
supported her dreams, encouraging the work that she was doing.
Benson sadly passed away in 2012 but despite this, Mercy continued her
ongoing work and continued to support the children at Tilinanu as she had
from day one. She saw the children, as well as Alice, Nina and the rest of
the Pulford family as a part of her family and together everyone worked as a
united team.
Similarly, her son, Gift Mkandawire, acts as a brother to Alice and Nina,
sharing a common vision, and becoming a role model to all those who have
come in to contact with him. Without Gift and Mercys partnership LSU
simply would not be where it is today.
There is such an enormous impact that can be made from families working
together. We can intertwine our western ways with their Malawian ways,
celebrating our different cultures, knowledge and skill sets. The morals and
principles of the Pulford family working alongside the Mkandawire family are
symbolic of the family morals we want to teach the girls of Tilinanu.
These principles are so strong that they will continue to influence the girls
for the rest of their lives.
“One Family can influence another, then
another, then ten, one hundred, one thousand more, and a
whole of society will benefit”

10. Tilinanu Orphanage
Tilinanu Orphanage was the amalgamation of the dream of two families
separated by culture and experience, but united by a common goal.
The Pulfords and the Mkandawires have worked tirelessly over the last five
years to build upon the foundations already set in place by Mercy and her
family, to create not only a stable orphanage, but a home. Where girls who
came from literally nothing are given not only the love and support they
desperately need, but the hope and ability to forge their own futures.
The cold hard fact of the matter is that in Malawi today, approximately
69% of women and girls have been the victim of some kind of sexual and/
or domestic abuse. With little to no protection or family stability, orphaned
girls remain in a particularly vulnerable position.
Furthermore, orphanages within Malawi and other African countries are
closing down at a fast rate. This is usually due to a number of differing
reasons such as corruption within management, lack of funds or government
shut downs.
Working alongside the chiefs and community representatives of local
villages in the Lilongwe area, the girls of Tilinanu are selected on the basis of
being the most at risk and in need within that given community. The majority
of the girls have been orphaned at an early age, and were cared for by their
grandparents who had neither the income nor physical health to care for
young children.
Many of their mothers died in childbirth and were then abandoned by their
fathers, or both parents died from malnutrition or disease. A small number
of the girls still have a surviving parent who are either physically and/or
mentally unable to care for their child.
“Help us to help change the world, person by person,
dream by dream, creating a positive impact and
lasting change”

11. Tilinanu Orphanage
That being said, our work at Tilinanu is not only concerned with protection,
but empowerment. In a culture where early marriage and motherhood
remain the norm, only 26% of all children complete primary school.
Without sufficient education or any kind of qualification, women in Malawi
remain utterly dependent upon others, whether it be their wider family or
husbands. We do everything in our power to give our girls every opportunity
to forge their own paths and take an active role in the making of their
future. Whilst we encourage the girls as much as possible to continue with
further education, we also recognise we must work with, not against, the
culture we have become part of, if we are to bring about truly effective,
long-lasting change. Some of the girls will go on and take what we may view
as a traditional route, however, crucially it will have been their own personal
choice.
It may seem at times that an orphanage in one of the poorest countries in
the world feels like a million miles away from our realm of experience in
the West. But as inspiring as it is that our gaggle of girls have overcome
experiences we can hardly fathom, neither should they be defined by
their pasts. The girls of Tilinanu are not tragic figures, they are a giggling,
beautiful, at times serious, at times completely silly group of truly amazing
individuals. They are all special in their own specific ways.
Whether it is Gift, who cannot stop talking about the history of Russia
because she learnt about it in school, or Mwayi, who confidently told us she
will be Minister of Agriculture one day, or even Emily – who likes nothing
more than lying on the grass watching the aeroplanes flying over Tilinanu,
dreaming of far off lands. They are beautiful and unique. Every single one of
them.
As much as their lives have been changed, the lives and perspective of all
those who have come into contact with Tilinanu, will also be forever altered.
We all have something to learn from these young women. In every smiling
wave goodbye on their way to school, in every song they sing or mad dash
for a hug, they remind us that no obstacle is insurmountable, no past cannot
be overcome; that every child can and should be given a second chance.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”

12. THE GIRLS OF
TILINANU
TILINANU ORPHANAGE

13. IN MALAWI EDUCATION IS NOT COMPULSORY, ONLY
50% OF CHILDREN ATTEND PRIMARY SCHOOL

14. Outreach Projects
Over the course of the last five years, we have developed a vast range
of outreach projects, all with the express aim of developing individuals
and communities. We are constantly on the lookout for new projects and
imaginative, innovative volunteers. If you have a fresh and entrepreneurial
idea that you believe in don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Here’s just a taste of some of our recent and ongoing projects but check out
http://www.lsufoundation.org/#latest-work to find out more...
• Pop up Medical Clinics
• Building and Community Development
• Micro Loans
• Granny Projects
• Water and Sanitation Projects
• Bottle Lights to Light up the Night
• Sports Development
• Music Projects
• Fashion Projects
• Teach a Teacher
• Community Skills Workshop
Pop Up Medical ClinicsJoin our Medical Outreach Team
Offering medical advice and treatment to people in desperate need of help and
with little to no access to adequate healthcare, our team has vaccinated over 70,000
people to date and have now introduced a pop up clinic. Working alongside local
doctors, nurses and herbalists, the clinic offered treatment to over 100 people in
2 villages in our first session. On any given outreach project based in rural areas,
volunteers will conduct malaria tests and provide medication to all who need it.
Approximately 50% of the people we test have malaria and depending on its severity
and with little to no access to medical care, these people could only have days left to
live. Malaria testing is a great way to have an immediate and definitive impact upon
the lives of Malawian people. LSU is always on the call out for medical professionals.
As we continue to develop and expand our pop up clinics it is absolutely paramount
we are working with skilled professionals with the knowledge and equipment we so
desperately need. Be part of that change.
Over the course of the last five years, we have developed a vast range of outreach
projects, all with the aim of developing individuals and communities. We are
constantly on the lookout for new projects and imaginative, innovative volunteers. If
you have a fresh and entrepreneurial idea that you believe in, do not hesitate to get
in touch! Here’s just a taste of some of our recent and ongoing projects but check
out: www.lsufoundation.org/#latest-work to find out more...

15. Building & Community DevelopmentJoin our building and outreach team
Poor infrastructure continues to be a significant issue across the continent.
Over the course of the last two years, our community development
volunteers have built Mkunkdu school, roofed and repaired dilapidated
homes, improved the infrastructure of St Johns School and built homes for
grannies and disabled people. Other projects such as building clay ovens,
testing clay water filtration systems and building furniture are all examples
of some of the exciting projects we undertake within the communities
of Malawi. All this is executed whilst distributing food relief, 1000s of kg
of donations and supplies. You do not need previous experience or any
specific building knowledge, just common sense and the enthusiasm and
determination to get stuck in! LSU and local labourers will show you the
ropes and make sure you get the absolute most out of the experience.
Micro Loans...
LSU is based on the principle that nothing should come for free, instead we
believe in giving willing members of the community the skills, tools and advice
they need to raise themselves out of poverty. We believe this is of far better
benefit to the wider community than teaching them to survive on aid alone.
Lunbane is the eldest child in a family of six, heavy rains caused the roof to fall
off their house. To repair the roof would cost the family the entirety of the life
savings (the equivalent of £20) and meant the family could no longer afford to
send Lunbane to school in her final and most important year of education.
Currently the entire family is surviving on less that £1 per month. Without the
means or ability to repair the roof or provide their children with the education
they deserve, the family was faced with the prospect of an extremely bleak
future.
With that in mind, we are providing a micro loan of 24 000 Kwacha (around
£34) to Grace, the mother of the family, to help them buy a stock of maize
to trade. If all goes well they should be able to repay the loan in 2 weeks
and have the sustainable income they need to feed, clothe and educate the
children.
More families than we can possibly count across Malawi are facing similarly
dire circumstances. It’s hard to believe that as little as £2 can give a family the
leg up they need to build and maintain a business for themselves. Micro loans
can be provided to establish a wide range of businesses: from setting up a
fish trading business, paying for a clay oven so a local can bake and sell bread,
to providing a sewing machine to make and sell clothes. The possibilities are
endless!

16. Granny Projects
The Love Support Unite Foundation believes that elders should be a pillar of
the community. They have the wisdom and experience to keep communities
together and ensure that traditional Malawian culture is preserved.
Nevertheless, we find that in the stark reality of rural Malawian life the
elderly have a difficult time once they are unable to support themselves.
Viewed as a burden on the community, given the fact many families are
already struggling to support themselves, the elderly are often left to fend
for themselves.
More often than not, we find these individuals living with little food, no
water and no blanket for warmth in houses as small as 2m². With no one to
maintain them these houses fall into disrepair, their straw roofs offering little
warmth, protection from the elements and become a breeding ground for
mosquitos during the rainy season.
Our volunteers repair these houses, rebuilding them, replacing the straw
roofs with tin and installing bottle lights to give an extra hour or so of light
in the evenings.
Occasionally these elderly folk will have friends or young relatives caring
for them. While this is admirable on the part of the carer it keeps them
from their own lives or education as they struggle to support themselves
and their relatives. In keeping with our ethos of helping the community
to help themselves, our volunteers offer business coaching and micro
loans, enabling these carers to start a sustainable business and provide for
themselves and their relatives long after we are gone.

17. THE AVERAGE WOMAN WILL BEAR 5-6
CHILDREN, LESS THAN HALF OF WHOM
WILL LIVE PAST THE AGE OF 5

18. Water & Sanitation Projects
Adequate safe water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is crucial to reducing
the spread of disease and illness, ensuring general wellbeing, but moreover
combatting poverty and encouraging socio-economic development.
• 3,500 children die every year from diarrhea caused by unsafe water and
poor sanitation in Malawi.
• 2.4 million people in Malawi do not have access to safe water.
• 14.3 million people do not have access to adequate sanitation in
Malawi.
To this end, LSU are working to improve access to clean water and adequate
sanitation. To date, 2 boreholes have been installed: first at Tilinanu
orphanage for the 34 girls, which is also used to water the plants which
feed them; the second borehole was built at Mkunkhu school, which now
provides access to clean water to 600 pupils and is the key to our ongoing
agricultural program. This single borehole will allow us to feed every child a
bowl of porridge a week as well as feed the teachers.
WASH projects in schools are vital as they provide a safe, healthy and
comfortable environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. WASH
improves attendance, health and cognitive development, increases the girls’
participation, establishes positive hygiene practice, offers the opportunity to
introduce better WASH practices in families and communities and addresses
issues of inequality and exclusion.
Boreholes are one of our top priorities in terms of fundraising. They can a
huge impact on a village or school that has no water, providing a gift that
should be a standard human right!
Bottle Lights to light up the nightEntrepreneurial Solutions Brought to Rural Villages
In Malawi it gets dark at around 6pm throughout the year. This means that
in remote villages with no electricity work, study and play must be cut short.
We decided we needed to provide a solution to this issue without complex
systems such as solar or wind power.
A simple light made using only a plastic bottle, water and bleach solves
these problems. These lights use retraction of sunlight to light up a house,
producing between 40-60 watts with the bleach protecting the water from
algae. Effectively the sun charges them up during the daytime and will glow
for an hour or so after dark, giving the villagers valuable extra light. Most
importantly they are cheap to make and require zero maintenance.

19. DUE TO THE HARD WORK of LSU VOLUNTEER - sofie
fransson, 600 SCHOOL CHILDREN NOW HAVE ACCESS TO
CLEAN DRINKING WATER

20. Sports DevelopmentAny sporting talents that you could bring to Malawi?
Sport is an excellent way to integrate different cultures, ages and genders.
It brings communities together and breaks down communication barriers
as teaching sports is through visualisation, and led by practical examples.
Sporting role models have a positive influence on children and young people
who naturally love to play and be part of something together. LSU is now
working alongside the Malawian Football Association and their Grass Roots
Program. Our mutual aim is to coach children in rural areas, inter-city and
international schools in football to break down boundaries between them.
LSU is always on the lookout for people with sporting talents to push the
sports development programme forward. We don’t just focus on football,
we are always keen to branch out into other sports that volunteers can bring
into the mix.
Music ProjectsTalented musicians can change lives!
In 2011 the Joe Strummer foundation, who are dedicated to changing the
world through music, funded the Tilinanu Music Centre. This is a 3-storie
wooden structure within the grounds of Tilinanu Orphanage, dedicated to
music and learning. As there is no formal musical education in Malawian
schools, it opens up possibilities for the girls of Tilinanu, and furthermore
has a knock-on effect within the community. As well as being able to express
their skills and talents, music encourages self-expression and creativity. We
plan to support shows and provide music lessons to benefit and integrate the
community. We had huge success with this program in 2011 when the girls
were selected to perform at the world-renowned Lake Of Stars music festival.
The skills that volunteers teach can continue to grow and be shared once they
have left.
Do you have music production skills or can play an instrument? How about
song writing or singing? We are always looking for volunteers to develop and
lead music workshops and help locals set up music related businesses.

21. EVEN THOUGH THIS WOMAN IS LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY,
HER SMILE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS, THIS IS WHY
MALAWI IS THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

23. Fashion ProjectsDo you have a creative business idea?
The beginning of the fashion projects journey began with Katherine Sherry
who took time away from her work as a fashion designer in the UK to bring
her skills to Malawi and set up ‘My Crazy Scrunchie’. Katherine sourced
the fabric from the markets of Lilongwe and worked in collaboration with a
local ethical workshop to manufacture the scrunchies. Every scrunchie is a
limited edition and made locally in Malawi, representing African fashion and
providing a sustainable income for local craftspeople. Not only did Katherine
get her first batch of Scrunchie samples produced but she also took them to
the Lake of Stars festival to sell on our stall with all profits going to LSU.
With fantastic markets and talented tailors, Malawi is a great place to
work on an ethical fashion project. Whether it’s clothes, jewellery, shoes
or accessories; with a bit of imagination, the possibilities and materials out
there are endless!
Teach-To-Teach
We have spent many years building and maintaining supportive relationships
with the schools and staff in the Lilongwe district. Our foremost relationship
remains with St Johns School, who we have worked with on a wide range of
teaching workshops and refurbishments. Care and consideration goes into
lesson plans to ensure students and teachers alike benefit. We hope to instill
passion within the teachers and empower them with new teaching styles,
thus catering for children’s varied learning requirements.
Experience has taught us that there can be negative consequences if
schools become dependent on volunteer teachers. With a lack of continuity
or adequate training for permanent staff, the long terms benefits of such
programs are few. By teaching a teacher better and/or differing teaching
methods we provide teachers with the transferable skills, confidence and
motivation to instigate long term change within the learning environment.
As the proverb goes, ‘give a man a fish and he can feed his family for a day,
teach him how to fish and he can feed his family for life.’
Within 4 years it is our intention to amend the education act on the basis
of our research carried out at St Johns. We need experienced teaching
volunteers to not only teach students and teachers, but monitor classes,
gather statistics and collect vital data. We wish to examine and challenge
the education system in its entirety, developing and implementing methods
for long term solutions.
This research will go beyond the classroom - at present classes finish at 1pm
and the buildings are empty until the following school day. Our vision is to
transform this unused space into a community centre, utilising the areas for
evening classes for adults.
Education is the key to change. If the younger
generation are to make the change it needs to
be brought back to grassroots.

24. Community Skills Workshops
We believe that one of the key elements to positive and lasting change
within Malawi is through the empowerment of women. By teaching women
craft skills and providing them with an opportunity to make a sustainable
source of income we can provide them with the platform the need to strike
out on their own, forging their own independent future.
We became aware of how community skills workshops could help women
through the The Lilongwe Urban Women’s Forum, established in 2008. Over
1000 vulnerable women and girls are a part of this forum, all from various
outreach villages surrounding Lilongwe City.
The women meet once a week in their villages to discuss ideas and create
business by making and selling crafts including watches, bags, vases,
cushions, shoes and handbags amongst others. However, these women
need a sustainable way to make money, as there is not a large consumer
base for them to sell their products to.
We are now developing skills workshops in conjunction with the forum. Our
first workshop focused upon dream catchers, teaching the women how to
craft them using African wax printed fabric, wire and rubber.
The women are encouraged to use easily accessible, natural materials they
can source in the village at no cost. Re-visiting the village a week later it was
inspiring to see how creative they had been and the amount of beautiful
dream catchers that had been crafted.
The women are eager to learn, all they require are the resources and training
to achieve their full potential. Once the women have received training, they
will be able to start their own businesses, making and selling crafts which
will provide a source of income for food, water, education and rent.
Giving these skills enables the most
vunerable women & girls to provide for their
famililes and their community.

25. NOT ONLY BY VOLUNTEERING WILL YOU CHANGE
PEOPLES LIVES , YOU WILL ALSO SEE THE CHANGE IN
YOURSELF

27. Work with the local community!

28. Mkhundo School Build
2014 saw LSU sow the seeds for further education in the rural Mkunkhu
community. We built a school, which now educates up to 1000 children. Prior
to this achievement, these children were walking approximately 10KM to get
to the nearest school.
The school is a hub of social change and education for the entire community.
Drawing people from the surrounding villages, it allows us with a platform
to provide medical care, develop businesses and arrange micro-loans.
Educating the children by day and providing skills workshops in business
and permaculture by night.
By 2017 the school will be completely self-sustainable, powering itself and
growing food and medical herbs for the community. The first of its kind,
the build began in May 2014 with a team of 4 volunteers, supported by
volunteer Sam Harvey. The boys had two weeks to get the foundations
down before the team of builders arrived to erect the school. Rising to the
challenge the boys worked alongside local builders to dig the foundations
and pour the concrete in just 10 days.
4 days later, 15 men from the Hughes building team in the UK arrived with
just 10 days to complete this mammoth task. The Hughes team created a
real buzz among the villagers who were keen to help, with children carrying
bricks and women carrying water to mix the concrete. With their help they
smashed the deadline, completing the school build in only 7 days!
They didn’t stop there. They also carried out general repairs at Tilinanu and
even reroofed some granny homes in the outreach villages. With Malawian
and British builders working side-by-side, knowledge and experience were
shared on both sides. The Hughes team also singled out Zasha and Wimpy,
the most dedicated Malawian workers, paying them for their work, raising
their standing in the community and empowering them with to learn and
practice a trade.
In October 2014 a borehole was erected next to the school with the
fundraising of our fantastic volunteer, Sofie Fransson. Sofie fundraised
$3500. Thanks to Sofie and all those who supported her, the school has a
sustainable source of water and is now well on its way to becoming a fully
self-sustainable hub for education.

29. LITERACY RATE IN ADULTS (OVER 15) IN MALAWI
IS 73.7% COMPARED TO 99% IN THE UK

30. Permaculture & sustainability
LSU are true believers in permaculture and sustainability. In
whatever project we undertake, we endeavor to implement
these core initiatives within all the work we do in Malawi.
Our plan for Mkunkhu School is to make it completely self-
sustainable, utilising permacultural methodology and installing
a drip irrigation system. Educational murals will be painted on
the buildings, teaching children about nutrition, the fun uses
of water, and correct sanitation usage. Sustainability is crucial,
to ensure systems put in place within the school can still be
maintained once we have departed.
LSU are also planning to work alongside Malawi Mangoes,
whose business model is based on economic and social
sustainability. Our relationship with them is in its early stages
but we plan to adopt much of their ethos into our own work.
We are still learning and every day sees yet more development.
We want to learn from other people and other people’s skills
and we are always open to new suggestions. Everybody
can help in some way. We are wide-open to new ideas and
knowledge!
“Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than
against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather
than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants
and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any
area as a single product system.”

31. Malawi Foster Care
During a 4-month teaching visit to Malawi in 2009, Katie Bushell, a primary
school teacher from Liverpool, met a 13-year-old homeless boy called Doud.
Doud was extremely malnourished, he had a high HIV count and evidently there
was no one to look after him. Extremely concerned for his welfare, with the help
of LSU, finding him the right home became a top priority.
It became apparent that there was a distinct lack of care for orphans in the local
area. Katie returned to Malawi in August 2011 with the intention of finding a
location for the proposed orphanage, similar to the girls orphanage, Tilinanu.
However, during this visit it became apparent that a much simpler, more
sustainable and cost-effective solution existed, one that could be implemented
immediately – to place children in a foster environment with a local family.
In August 2011, our first four orphaned boys were welcomed into Martha’s
house as foster children. The first year was extremely successful with all four
children passing their exams in school and becoming notably healthier and
stronger. In August 2012, a small house was built on the plot of land and this
provided enough space for 8 boys. In August 2013, we began our second foster
care home, caring for 5 more children.
The project now supports 13 children in foster care families as well as 1 baby
and his grandmother from the village of Yepa. Before this opportunity, all the
children faced numerous challenges, some only managing to eat one meal a day
and unable to attend school. Now, the children who we sponsor are extremely
happy, healthy and delighted to be given this chance. The children love going
to school, playing games with their friends, helping with jobs at home, learning
English and singing in the church choir.
Now that we have seen the success first-hand of placing orphaned children
in foster care families, we are actively seeking more sponsors to help create
opportunities for more orphans to be given a second chance. If you think you
may be interested in supporting this project, please contact: malawifostercare@
gmail.com or for more information visit our website:
http://www.malawifostercare.com
Malawi Foster Care is an independent charity managed by Katie Bushell and Zoe
Giarraputo, a social worked from Australia. The volunteers from Malawi Foster
Care are friends with and frequently work alongside LSU.
The two charities continue to work together supporting one another and our
work is unified under a common goal and purpose.

32. THEBOYSwefoster
For more information or to get involved check out
www.malawifostercare.com

33. BLOSSOM & BERRY
The Little Blossom Project began as a result of Gayle Berry and Kathryn
Marshall’s trip to Malawi with LSU in April 2014. LSU supported them in their
work, teaching baby massage to local women and to staff at The Mission of
Hope Baby Orphanage. As a result of the success of the project and their
joint desire to build upon the work they had begun, Blossom & Berry have
established a specific volunteer project for individuals wishing to teach and
train others in baby massage.
Baby massage looks into the developmental, physical but also the emotional
benefits of massage and how massaging can create a stronger relationship
between mothers and babies. Baby massage provides the vital love, positive
communication and attachment that babies need for healthy physical and
emotional development, whilst providing women with valuable skills and
knowledge they can then share.
The Little Blossoms Project focuses on a number of different aspects of
baby nurture and care within Malawi. By starting out running baby massage
workshops at The Ministry of Hope Baby Orphanage, they have also created
a nurture pack program ensuring that women are given the right equipment
when giving birth. Furthermore, Gayle and Kathryn ran first aid courses,
giving health care guidance and offering other massage and physical therapy
courses, all to empower women within communities to help give babies the
best start in life. Thus far, they have worked with The Children of Blessing
Special Needs Centre, mothers in the local area, an antenatal unit, and the
Ministry of Hope Baby Orphanage.
In the future they will continue their efforts to create a network of local
women to act as Nurture Ambassadors, who can teach the benefits of early
infant care within Malawi and continue their inspiring work.
They also support wider projects organised by LSU, focusing on improving
the lives of local communities with health checks, feed programmes and
establishing schools.
For more information or to get involved check out
www.blossomandberry.com

34. Chilumba - The Off Grid Comunity Project
Our Brief
To create a structure that delivers a multitude of benefits to off-
grid communities. These benefits will include but are not limited
to; providing a source of clean water and clean electricity,
shade and shelter from the elements, a social hub, and jobs
for the local community. In its essence it will be an oasis of
vegetation, comprising useful herbs and plants. It needs to also
be a source of local pride in its construction, maintenance and
services provided.
The Chilumba is to be showcased at festivals worldwide after
an initial prototype run, within Malawi in November 2014.
The concepts main aims are for it to be simple, affordable,
renewable, easily replicable, and above all, useful in its function.
Alongside the above aims is the necessity to showcase the
structure on the world festival circuit. This requires the structure
to be inherently beautiful; a concept upon which any given
festival will want to allocate expenditure and integrate it within
their event.
It will be a structure that festival goers can come to relax in,
pop on a pair of Love Specs, enjoy its beauty and learn about
sustainability within rural African communities and the positive
impact that this structure will have on them.
Chilumba in Chichewa means
ENABLING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH
WATER COLLECTION
& SANITATION
ELECTRICITY
GENERATION
LOCAL BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNICATION
NETWORKS
• FILTERED
HARVESTED
RAIN WATER FOR
DRINKING &
SANITATION
• PROVIDING
WATER FOR
IRRIGATION
• WIND TURBINE
• WATER TURBINE
• CYCLE POWER
• EACH
CHILUMBA WILL
HAVE A GUARDIAN
TO MAINTAIN IT
• IRRIGATION
SYSTEM ENABLING
CROP PRODUCTION
WITH POTENTIAL
TO GO TO MARKET
• THE ABILITY TO
CHARGE A PHONE
WILL ENABLE
COMMUNICATION
WITH OTHER
COMMUNITIES
• SHARING OF
KNOWLEDGE
BETWEEN LOCAL
COMMUNITIES
THE CHILUMBA ITSELF
an oasis...

39. Ministry of Hope
The Ministry of Hope was established in April, 1999 by a young Malawian
named Fletcher Matandika as a Christian response to the overwhelming
number of orphans in Malawi.
When the ministry started in April, 1999, over 200 orphans were registered.
To date, the number has grown to several thousand. As a nation, Malawi is
faced with the great challenge of raising approximately 2 million orphans,
most of them being AIDS orphans.
The core mission of Ministry of Hope is to nurture the spiritual lives of
children who face a harsh and difficult existence on their own. After each
meal children hear a message of hope on Christian faith and living.
Ministry of Hope staff and volunteers come alongside the children to play
games, lead Bible studies and organise their participation in a village choir.
Ministry of Hope also cares for some of the smallest orphans in Malawi with
two Crisis Nurseries, one in the capital of Lilongwe and the other in the
northern city of Mzuzu. The Lilongwe Crisis Nursery was built and opened
in the Fall of 2004 and the Mzuzu nursery opened in the Summer of 2006.
Together, these two nurseries have a capacity for caring for approximately
50 infants.
During Alice’s time in Malawi in 2007 when working at St Johns School,
considering the school closes at 1pm, she would spend the afternoons
volunteering at the Ministry of Hope. LSU has now been working alongside
the Ministry of Hope for 6 years, proving how successful projects can be
when two charities work together.
“Nearly 20% off all children in Malawi
For more information or to get involved check out
www.ministryofhope.org
are orphans”

40. 65% OF ALL ORPHANED CHILDREN IN MALAWI ARE
LEFT ALONE DUE TO PARENTS DIEING OF HIV & AIDS

41. LOVE SPECS
“We are more than just glasses”
Love Specs were created to be a promotional tool to sell at festivals for
people to engage with and find out about the charity. They are magical
glasses that show colourful hearts whenever you look towards light. This
subtle fundraiser gives something to people whilst they are donating to
charity and by representing love they remain in line with the ethos of our
charity. So far we have sold thousands of pairs over the last two years across
a wide range of festivals and all profits go direct to where its needed in
Malawi.
Our volunteers travel to festivals around the UK and Europe such as
Glastonbury and Outlook in order to sell the Love Specs and promote our
cause. The donations we have had from festival goers as well as others that
have bought the Love Specs has been phenomenal. Not to mention the
amazing support we have had from all the festivals that have let us in and
allowed us to sell them. We have fantastic support from worldwide stars
such as Rudimental campaigning for the cause. Topshop has also began
selling them through their website, only adding to a wider audience being
able to engage with LSU and the work that we do in Malawi.
www.lovespecs.org

42. 100% OF THE PROFIT FROM THE SALE OF OUR
LOVE SPECS GOES DIRECTLY TO TILINANU &
OTHER LSU PROJECTS

43. “Share the Love”

44. The Annual Fundraiser
From very humble beginnings Tilinanu Orphanage has become what it is
today due to the help of friends, family, sponsors, our trustees, local schools,
volunteers, our accounts team and the local Charnwood community. Along
the way we have had many funny and boisterous days and nights all with the
aim of raising money (of course)!
It all began with the £10 supper nights and Hollie Stone’s infamous first
Summer Garden Party back in 2008. Valentines night at the Wheatsheaf, swiftly
followed by 150 ladies in 3 champagne fuelled coaches off to see Calendar
Girls in London. Two summer afternoon parties at Ratcliffe College in 2010
and 2011, Valentines at Saporis, a Vintage Tea at the Jelly’s, and 100 ladies
off to see Mama Mia in 2010 added to the ongoing support. Everybody then
got glammed up for the fundraiser ball we held for 500 people in November
2012 and 2013.
Sometimes it feels that no sooner have we finished one event we must begin
planning the next. This years Glamour and Glitz Party for the princesses took
place on November 22nd .
Last year, we had an amazing Take That Tribute Band - together with Robbie
Williams, the fabulous Molly Smitten-Downes, and of course the one and only
Roosters.
The Platinum Suite was booked, Taste Inc did the food and we had some
brilliant auction and raffle prizes donated. A great event to come along to,
support LSU, dance your socks off, drink champagne and have a great time,
whilst knowing that EVERY SINGLE PENNY we raise goes directly to the
desperately poor children in Malawi that need it. A fantastic way to spend a
night out with friends with good times and lots of smiles! We couldn’t do it
without you! Looking forward to next year.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved including the entire
Leicestershire community, the Hughes Building Team, RS Print Ltd, Kirby
and West, Firefly Clean Energy, Lucy Bee, SLY Filters, Merrimaking, Angel
& Rocket Clothing, Birketts and of course, none of this would be possible
without our trustees and volunteers.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

47. Events
As well as the annual fundraiser, LSU holds lots of exciting fundraising
events throughout the year that anyone can be a part of. From the Brighton
Marathon, Skydiving, Tough Mudder Challenge, Colour Dash amongst
others we are never short of fun times to all get together and raise some
money. We will always welcome any new event ideas for people to get
involved in, so if you have something in mind then let us know! All ages are
welcome; in fact, last year the sky dive saw an age range from 17 to 62!
Upcoming Events
“We were absolutely astounded that 25 runners could raise
£25,000! Just imagine the amount we could raise if more
runners took part next year!”
• Skydive (Sibson Aerodrome)
• Brighton Marathon (Brighton)
• Colour Dash (Melton Mowbray)
• Tough Mudder (Cirencester)

48. FUTURE AIMS
We’re Growing
LSU is growing at a faster rate than ever and we have come on in leaps
and bounds since Tilinanu was first built in 2009. The future is looking very
bright with many plans already in place for the next 4 years.
Our Aims
• To build a community hospital
• Make Mkundu School completely self sustainable
• Feed Mkundu School children a meal a day and pay
teachers in maize
• Introduce new permaculture and farming techniques
• Teach teachers better standards
• Issue micro loans
• Empower communities
• Open more foster homes
Volunteer in the UK- We are always looking for volunteers to help with
our fundraising events in the UK or to visit festivals such as Secret Garden
Party, Outlook or Unknown to sell Love Specs and promote our cause. Why
not contact us to find out more.
Volunteer in Malawi- We always need volunteers in Malawi. We have
programs running year round and can accommodate you whether you
need our contacts and expertise to help with your own project or you can
get involved with an existing one!
Buy Love Specs- Love Specs are magical glasses that show hearts every-
where you look. Perfect for weddings, festivals, fireworks and more. LSU
uses them as a vehicle to raise funds and awareness of our cause.
Donate - As well as personal donations and donations such as clothes or
school bags we accept donations and sponsorship from companies and
schools. Why not sponsor a service for us such as printing or logistics. If
you or the company you work for think you could help why not get in touch!
Sponsor a child - The girls of Tilinanu Orphanage need your support.
Sponsorship helps to feed and clothe them and put them through school.
Sponsors will be provided with regular updates and personal letters from
the girls. As little as £5 per month can make a real difference to their lives
and give them the opportunities they need to shape their own futures.
Fundraise - We always need help with fundraising. Why not get involved
with one of our events or organise one of your own. Check out our events
page to see what you can get involved in or come to our annual fundraiser.
THE FURTURE IS BRIGHT AND PROSPOROUS
How Can You Get Involved?

49. 90% OF THE MALAWIAN POPULATION
LIVE ON LESS THAN 2 DOLLARS
A DAY

50. HAPPINESS AND EDUCAITON IS THE KEY TO A
HEALTHY MIND AND SUCCESS in life

51. TILINANU ORPHANAGE
www.lovesupportunite.ORG
A photographic journey of The Love Support Unite Foundation,
from its foundations to the present day.
This book focuses on all of the projects that the charity is pursu-
ing and our continued plans for the future.
An insight into our life in Malawi, the local culture and the ways
that you can get involved to help us continue to grow.
LSU-Love, Support and Unite Foundation
Love Specs
@Volunteer_LSU
@LoveSpecs_org
@lovesupportunite
@LoveSpecs
LOVE
SUPPORT
UNITE