Mission
Containers for Malawi Group
A few years ago, we asked a group of people with an interest in, and concern for, the needs of Malawi to take responsibility for organising the shipment of medical and educational materials to hospitals and schools in the country.
This led to the formation of the Containers for Malawi Group (CFMG), whose members meet regularly and each year ship a number of containers to Malawi.
The majority of CFMG members have direct experience of living and working in Malawi, a number having served with our mission partners in Malawi, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP). CFMG members are in constant contact with CCAP to ascertain the most important needs at any point in time.
It is vital that every cubic foot (or metre) in each container is filled with essential items so, to guide those wanting to help with this work, CFMG has produced lists of what are 'acceptable' items to send. However, realising that some people may have other items they would like to send, CMG is open to offers of 'alternative items' but must first check the priorities of current needs in Malawi because the cost of sending a twenty-foot container to Malawi is approximately £6,500.
CFMG holds a stock of plastic boxes for purchase, to be filled with a selection of either medical or educational items in line with the guidance lists that CFMG provides. Using these boxes not only facilitates the shipment of the items being sent to Malawi but also provides the recipients with a useful storage container once its 'shipped' contents are taken out and distributed for use.
Each box measures approximately 21"x15"x10" (54cm x 38cm x 26cm). To cover the costs of the box, administration and shipping charges, a fee of £20, payable in advance, is required for each box sent.
A number of distribution and collection points have been established around the country (North and South) and it is hoped to be able to add more in the future.
Because of limitations of space, it has not been possible for Church House (Belfast) to be one of these distribution and collection points. Furthermore, in order to avoid creating 'extra work' for the staff in the Mission Overseas and PW offices in Church House, any queries regarding container shipments to Malawi should be addressed to a CFMG member or agent.
Details of how the boxes are to be packed, and where they are to be delivered for shipping, can be found by going to Packing and Shipping. Each box comes with a packing list (on which details of box contents will need to be provided) and a label. There is no time limit on filling the boxes as CFMG normally send a number of containers to Malawi each year. If a box(es) misses one container shipment, it shouldn't be too long before it (they) is (are) loaded on the next one.
If you wish to purchase a box or number of boxes, please ensure that you cover the cost of each box (£20 each) in full. Cheques should be made payable to The Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Boxes are available from any Agent.
We hope that an increasing number of our members and congregations will help to us to continue shipping medical and educational supplies to Malawi.
A big 'Thank you' to those who have already helped.
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