Items that might be needed in Malawi

Here are some suggestions from Masankho and Krista about items that we could take with us that would be helpful in the village.
Linda Breitag also wrote a note in another spot on the blog suggesting bringing an inexpensive bag with items that could just be left as well.

Possible gifts/donations for the villagers

When the group traveled to Malawi with Masankho in September of 2006, some of us wanted to bring items that were needed by villagers in Tukombo where we stayed for four days. It was fun to invite friends, relatives, spiritual companions, and colleagues to participate in the trip by donating items. They were enthusiastic about sending concrete items with us. This was totally voluntary and was not expected. Many of us brought our belongings in one suitcase and filled a duffle bag or second suitcase with donations. Here are some of the items that Masankho suggested:

Items always needed by school kids:
Notebooks / Pencils / Colored Pencils / Drawing pads/Soccer Balls / Netball Balls/ Storybooks (basic 1st, 2nd, 3rd, grade level)/Books for secondary school children for reading/Money to purchase text books.

Supplies for the small clinic that is in the village:
Tylenol / aspirin / aleve / cough medicine/ band aides / simple bandages / cough drops/imodium / pepto bismal/medications/money for the clinic to buy supplies

For men, women and girls & babies:
feminine products / condoms / diapers / formula/soap


A note Masankho sent us before our September, 2006 trip: “Please keep in mind weight restrictions on luggage. If you are able to collect large items (e.g. desktop computers), I can let you know the address to which they can be shipped using DHL (3 to 5 days). Most of this stuff is available in stores but folks just don't have funds to purchase them for their children or family members and so if you wish to bring cash, my Dad and Sister will ensure that it goes to help families that need help including Aids orphan kids. If you have questions about any item you might want to bring, contact me.”