Many believe the greatest humanitarian crisis of our age is the 200 million orphans living and dying in extreme poverty globally. Malawi is one of the world’s most economically challenged countries with half the population living below the poverty line, 25% living in extreme poverty, and 37% of children under age five experiencing growth stunting due to malnutrition. Orphaned children are especially vulnerable to extreme poverty, food insecurity and exploitation.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Zoe Empowers for a third year to support orphaned and vulnerable Malawian youth who are heads of household and financially responsible for their younger siblings. Youth participated in empowerment groups that offered access to savings and loans and secured steady sources of income. Across 164 households, a total of 326 small businesses and income-generating activities were established, including farming businesses, taxi services, food stalls, and mobile repair shops. Thanks to their diversified streams of income, 100% of households now have health insurance or access to health services, 100% are now eating 2-3 healthy meals per day, and 97% were able to purchase a new home or renovate their current home!