Yes, we have power!

Helping people to help themselves

By Barbara Michie
November/December 2008

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Noel and I were sitting under a leafy shelter listening to members of a group calling themselves RUDGE (Rumphi Urban Disabled Group and Elderly) when one of the women said, “We have no power, but together we do what we can.” It seemed like a good summary of what the group was about. RUDGE is made up of people dealing with the effects of polio, amputations, impaired vision, and old age who want to help support themselves.

I was accompanied to the meeting by Noel Zimpita, one of the leaders of our Young Christian Students (YCS) group at St. Patrick’s Seminary. We had been invited to meet the group in the hope that I could help them find funds for a water pump. Peter Myanga, the chairman of RUDGE, explained that the group had been given some land on the high side of the river and needed to be able to pump water up to their fields so they could grow maize.

After introductions and speeches, the members sang as they led us to the fields. They showed us a garden plot they had cleared of brush and grass taller than our heads, and told us about their plans for the land. With access to water from the small river, and a pump, they could grow a second crop of maize during the dry season (Rumphi gets no rain from May to November).

With access to water from the small river, and a pump, the people can now grow a second crop of maize during the dry season.

Noel and I were impressed by the spirit and organization of the people, and decided we would also do what we could. I discussed the project with Fr. Jim McGuire who was the only other Scarboro team member in Malawi at the time and we agreed to use some of the donations made to our team. Noel spoke to the YCS group at school and the students agreed to give their Saturday morning to help clear more land.

Early on May 24, with slashers and heavy hoes in hand, 40 students set out to meet the RUDGE members. After a couple of hours they had cleared the area. Some of the RUDGE members brought a grinding wheel made from bicycle parts and showed the boys how to sharpen their slashers. We closed our morning with prayers and more speeches, then relaxed together to share buns and orange drink.

Thanks to Scarboro benefactors, a supply of maize seed and fertilizer was given, so the crop is planted and the water pump is in use. The RUDGE members are also making hand-held maize shellers for their own use and for sale in the community. The idea and pattern for these was given by Canadian friend Susan Rock, with materials supplied by my son-in-law Brian Gagnon. I am grateful to everyone involved, and touched by the realization that when we do what we can together, we do have power.

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