The Likoma Trust

This year our World Church Weekend and fundraising is in support to the “Likoma Link Trust”. This small and effective charity was started by members of Oakham Methodist Church, Rutland, as a response to the needs that they had directly seen. Most of the fundraising effort comes from this church, and the Oakham Methodist Church works hard to keep direct relationships with the people on Likoma Island, with some members visiting regularly (see the latest newsletter for details)

How do we know about this? Well, the minister of Oakham Methodist is Rev. Heather Walker – Alison’s mother-in-law! This charity and the people of Likoma Island need our help, our interest, and (of course), our money! Please support the World Church events, particularly the World Church Weekend (25/26 April) – see advert for details

More about Likoma Island and the work of Likoma Link Trust
Likoma Island is a very small island of about 5 miles by 2 miles on a very large lake in Malawi. The lake is 350 miles long and the island lies 50 miles from mainland Malawi. Malawi, formerly Nyasaland, is just south of the Equator in Central Africa and is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania.

The people of the island - population about 10,000 - are among the poorest people of the world. They have no electricity, no running water, and the land is too poor to successfully cultivate so they are dependent on fish from the lake for their food and their income.

The main health problems are malaria, anemia, meningitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and aids. Approximately one in three is HIV positive. All these problems are worsened by malnutrition.

Their 'needs'

The Likoma Link Trust raises funds in order to provide -

The Likoma Link Trust. Reg. Charity No. 1098320

LIKOMA LINK UPDATE
The recent Newsletter Autumn 2008 shows that fund raising is continuing with the usual coffee mornings, sales, slide presentations etc with thanks to all contributors. Maggie and Brian McLester paid their third visit to Likoma during the summer. Maggie was kept busy working in the hospital and schools, while Brian spent his time repairing everything from toilets and showers, to bicycles and wheelchairs. With the introduction of electricity to the island, they were able to enjoy such luxuries as an electric cooker and a fridge. Maggie and Brian were able to witness the difference "Likoma Link" is making to the lives of the people - BUT much remains to be done.

A recent government inspection of the hospital condemned both the operating theatre and the laboratory and recommended urgent expansion of the laundry to accommodate industrial washing machines. Many nurses uniforms need replacing and the hospital needs redecorating both inside and out. New dental instruments are needed.

Since this time last year the trust has donated £16,386 which includes £500 per month to assist the day to day running of the hospital. 50 Good News Bibles have been donated to the secondary school and service/hymn books to the hospital. Funds have been pledged to finance the reconditioning of the old generator (as back up), and electrical wiring of hospital wards and school staff houses.

On Saturday evening we will have a meal, featuring African recipes (but still including a chicken stew), and the opportunity to learn about the context of Likoma and the work of the charity. On Sunday morning our service will feature the work of the charity and bring a celebration of the World Church to Potters Bar.