28 May 2010

Latest Distribution of Solar Panels from Satemwa Fair trade Workers Joint Body

The latest distribution of solar panels to the workers on Satemwa Tea Estate took place this week, with 398 panels being handed out to the workers' local communities.  Each worker receives a solar panel, light bulb and rechargeable batteries and the kits can be used to charge mobile phones, light homes and listen to radios. 



Smart Stima, Joint Body Secretary said "The panels have been specially designed and made from materials, which are easy to source locally.  This means that they are easy to repair if they stop working and provides more people with jobs."

"This has been one of our most popular projects and it seems that we can't hand them out quick enough!"

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6 May 2010

Thyolo Hospital Receives Maize Donation From Satemwa Fairtrade Workers Joint Body

Today, Thyolo District Hospital took delivery of 57 bags of Maize donated by the Satemwa Tea Estates' Fairtrade Workers Joint Body.   The bags were part of the this years Maize Distribution following the success of the Joint Body Maize Distribution programme in 2009 to alleviate hunger due to the Maize shortage experienced last year.

Joint Body members being greeted by Thyolo Hospital DMO Dr JameMr Rabson Kalowa, Joint Body Chairman said "At the time, 2,500 bags (approximately 125,000kg) of Maize were purchased by the JB and sold to workers at a heavily subsidised price (about 50% of the purchase price) - 1 bag of maize for each of the 2443 workers and their families.



Maize Presentation to Thyolo District Hospital Committee"It was suggested by some of the workers that the remaining 57 bags should be donated to the local, Thyolo District hospital.  This suggestion was unanimously agreed by the Joint Body committee and we are pleased that we can help the wider community in this small way."

The presentation was attended by Thyolo District Commissioner, Mr Mandere, Mr Tindwa of the Tea Association of Malawi and Thyolo District Medical Officer, Dr Jame, who said "The hospital faces many challenges in supporting the Thyolo community and the support provided through these Fairtrade initiatives is greatly appreciated.  We are very grateful to the Satemwa Fairtrade Workers Joint Body for this donation"


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