18 Jun 2012

SOLAR PANELS - THE SATEMWA FAIR TRADE JOINT BODY DO IT AGAIN

''I am priveledged to be among Satemwa Tea Estate workers, because among other benefits, this year the company has again provided us with Solar Power of a more improved version at a subsideside price." These are words from a lady tea plucker who ran out of words to describe her happiness over her solar panel sold o her courtessy of fair trade premium funds.
As parrafin price continues to escalate, and wood energy sources depleted due to climate change effects, the Jb have this 2012 done it again. Using Fair trade funds they have sourced solar powered pannels with improved lighting system and phone charging accessories. These were procured at MK9600.00 and sold to all workers at MK2000.00. Village headmen from the surronding villages have also been given a chance to enjoy the benefits of Fair trade.
With this facility, one is able to charge a cellphone and listen to the radio while lighting up the room. those parents who have school going children are relieved of buying parrafin for lamps as the children are now using the solar generated energy o generate light used for studying in the night in their homes.
As an employer, people have kept flocking to Satemwa seeking employment hoping they should benefit from such projects. However the only corresponding hope is that of fair trade tea sales which should coninue to happen in order to sustain JB Projects.
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20 Mar 2012

THE JB PREPARES TO HAND OVER THE GUARDIAN SHELTER TO THYOLO COMMUNITIES

A delegation of Satemwa Fair trade JB Members were sent to discuss with DHO, District Commissioner and other Government officials regarding when the guardian shelter would be handed over for use. The DC who is new in Thyolo was updated about the project and what was outstanding; such as water, electricity and sanitatary facilities.
Members were advised that Satemwa JB had paid for the electrical connection and that using the Consituency Development Fund, the water and toilets were being provided for.
The DC suggested we go to the site to appreciate what was done and agree on the way forward. on arrival at the site thwe District Commissioner said, "It is very unfortunate not to have started using such a magnificent stracture". Then it was time for discussions; and the following was agreed:
- That the water, electricity and toilets be speeded up
- That by mid April eeverything should be finished.
- That handing over should be by end April 2012
The DC feels people have been deprived of a decent place while looking after their sick relatives.
He has promised to use his influence to ensure the structure is handed over to the users.
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28 Feb 2012

FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE AT SATEMWA TEA ESTATE CLINIC IS BEING SOUGHT BY MORE CLIENTS THAN BEFORE

It has been noted that the Satemwa Tea Estate Clinic has today ran out of family planning, but clients have said they are waiting for a consignment that someone has gone to collect from Thyolo hospital.
This tells a simple story:
That people have seen the benefit of family planning
That children can be planned
That it is a big and challenging task to raise a child considering the current economic situation.
That family planning enhances family productivity and family members are health.
That the current trend of resources, income, food do not allow for big families.
That land has become scarce
That climate change has been agravated by activities of mankind
......................................endless!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................................
Women are the biggest group acessing these services - (a total of 500 women from within the estate)
This service is courtesy of Satemwa's coporate social responsibility program which ensures that the clinic is up and running. To sustain the service Satemwa should be supported in its business endeavours - the more tea sales the more of such social activities.
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28 Jan 2012

EFFECTS OF HEAVY RAINS IN THYOLO

In my previous posts, I wrote abou hte dry spell that was prevalent in the Southern part of Malawi. I also wrote about the break of the dry spell as we started having rains. This time round it has been the excess of the rains that has now badly affected most of the rural areas. From around the 19th January we go a warning from the Meorogical department about the impending Tropical Cyclone which would affect the southern part of Malawi.
To prove the met. people right, it started raining day and night such tha by Sunday 22nd reports started coming out of houses falling down, floods developing in most areas especiall the lower Shire.
As I write most villagers have lost their households, houses and worse still maize gardens have been washed away. Lucky are those that are employed by the estates as they are assured of shelter, income and if they are working for Satemwa then they are assured of two bags of maize courtesy of the Fair trade Joint Body Maize project - This season every employee is getting 2 bags at a subsidised price.
This is typical of effects of climate change: ie drought, floods etc
Thus we prayed for rains when the situation was becoming desparate - We got rains but more than we required - now people have no shelter and will not have enough food because of he same rains. What a scenario.
The future - People's hopes are now on whether the JB will come up with porjects to overcome these calamities.
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18 Jan 2012

''MORINGA'' THE MIRACLE TREE

An officer from Rosy World paid a visit with the purpose of meeting workers to sensitize them on a tree called Moringa. This tree is known as a miracle tree because its products and by-products if used well can play miracles to human bodies. Among other functions it can cure the following diseases: Hysteria, Anemia, Blood impurities, Blood pressure, Cholera, Glandular swelling, Stomach ulcers etc and above all does also boost the immune system.
The objective of this organisation is to distribute moringa seed for free so tha that each household has atleast a tree to get leaves and seed from. Rosy World may then come in and buy the seed or the leaves to make moringa powder, cppking oil and other products.
The most interesting side about this tree is that the poeder has worked wonders on HIV patients. The powder has been noted to regulate ARVs side effects the official assured us. Moringa products are also approved by both local and international nutritionists. This is yet to be discussed and see if the JB could get involved into as a project.
Sounds motivating.
Those who know how the Moringa Tree functions may give more info.
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