The International Centre for Conservation Education (ICCE) has just completed a six-year programme to improve the quality of life of villagers living in the lakeside communities in Monkey Bay, Mangochi District, Malawi. Working with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) on the programme was funded by the UK Community Fund (formerly the National Lottery Charity Board); activities include improving vegetable growing, agro-forestry, bee-keeping, rearing guinea fowl and rabbits, and making jam, preserves and Malambe juice.

In order to encourage the programme to expand further ICCE has provided funding for the construction of an enterprise building - appropriately named Khama Lipindula meaning "Hard Work Pays". The improved facilities will further extend Malambe Juice production.

Further support has been provided by the Bethesda congregation who donated 6 sewing machines and one of the church members ran a one-week introductory sewing course.

During the final ICCE review visit support was also provided to the Chembe AIDs orphans in the form of gardening equipment, cement for lining the well and wire to make bracelets.

Funding is now being sought to develop a "life-skills" training programme for groups of AIDs orphans in the former WURCS Project area.