An Unwavering Mission in a Growing Community
At Agape Love Charity Organization (ALCO), our work is rooted in a simple yet profound mission: to empower vulnerable populations and bring hope where it is most needed. Since our founding on July 15, 2023, by Miriam Samba Martine, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the resilient community of the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. We provide education, humanitarian aid, and spiritual support to refugees, host communities, single mothers, and marginalized families, helping them build lives of dignity and self-sufficiency.
Our mission is simple yet profound: Empowering Vulnerable Populations. We are committed to transforming lives through education, humanitarian aid, and community development. – Agape Love Charity
Today, we stand at a critical juncture. The community we serve is growing, and with it, the demand for our services. The dreams of the children in our school are expanding, and the spiritual needs of the community are deepening. To meet these needs, we are embarking on our most ambitious project yet: constructing new classrooms and building a dedicated church. This is more than a construction project; it’s an investment in the future and soul of Dzaleka.
Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our ongoing classroom construction project — a testament to our mission of empowering communities through education.
The Crisis of Overcrowding: Why New Classrooms Are Urgent
The Dzaleka Refugee Camp tells a story of immense strain. Established in 1994 to host around 12,000 people, it is now home to over 60,000 individuals who have fled conflict and hardship. This staggering growth has stretched every resource to its breaking point, especially in education. Our school, a beacon of hope for many, is facing an overwhelming number of students. Classrooms are overflowing, and the teacher-to-student ratio in the camp can be as high as one teacher for over 80 students, as reported in some camp schools.
From Crowded Rooms to Bright Futures
Every child deserves a chance to learn in a safe and supportive environment. The construction of new classrooms will directly address the overcrowding crisis. It will allow us to reduce class sizes, provide more individual attention to students, and create a space conducive to learning and growth. Research on education in Malawi highlights that a lack of classroom space is a significant factor in high dropout rates. By building more classrooms, we are not just providing shelter; we are building pathways out of poverty.
These new facilities will enable us to expand our programs, including essential skills and vocational training. By equipping youth with practical abilities like tailoring, carpentry, and literacy, we empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute to their community’s economy. A new classroom is a promise—a promise of a brighter, more hopeful future for every child who walks through its doors.
Students attentively taking notes during a classroom session — a glimpse into the pursuit of knowledge and resilience.
A Foundation of Faith: The Need for a Dedicated Church
In a place marked by trauma and uncertainty, faith is a powerful anchor. Currently, our spiritual and community gatherings take place in the very classrooms where children learn. While we are grateful for this space, it is a temporary solution that presents challenges. Shifting furniture and preparing the room for worship disrupts both educational and spiritual activities. A dedicated church building is essential to providing a stable, sacred space for the community.
Faith-based organizations play a vital role in Dzaleka, offering not just spiritual guidance but also crucial services like trauma care, counseling, and peace-building initiatives. Our church, which currently operates from one of our classrooms, serves as a hub where people gather to worship, find solace, and strengthen the bonds that hold the community together.
More Than a Building: A Sanctuary for the Community
This church will be far more than a place for Sunday services. It will be the heart of our community development programs. It will host faith-based mentorship for youth, provide a quiet space for counseling and trauma healing, and serve as a venue for community meetings and celebrations. In a life where so much is transient, this building will stand as a permanent symbol of God’s enduring love and our unwavering commitment to the people of Dzaleka. It will be a sanctuary where hope is renewed, spirits are lifted, and the community finds strength in togetherness.
Our Vision, Our Plan, and How You Can Help
Our vision is clear: to build new classrooms that will unlock the potential of hundreds of children and to construct a church that will serve as a spiritual and communal anchor for thousands. This is a monumental task, and the truth is, we cannot do it alone.
We have the vision, the plan, and the support of the community. Now, we need you. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a direct and lasting impact. It will lay the bricks, raise the walls, and open the doors to a brighter future for the people of Dzaleka.
Here is how you can be part of this life-changing movement:
- Donate Today: Your financial gift will go directly towards purchasing building materials and funding construction. Every dollar builds hope.
- Become a Fundraiser: Start a campaign with your friends, family, or community group to support our project.
- Share Our Story: Spread the word on social media, in your community, and with anyone who believes in the power of hope and education.
Together, we can turn this vision into a reality. We can provide the children of Dzaleka with the education they deserve and give the entire community a place to gather, heal, and grow in faith. Join us in building a legacy of hope, one brick at a time.