With covid case numbers out of control and the vaccine a long way off, schools have closed once again.  The steering group is holding an extraordinary meeting to review available funding and see how we can extend our help on the back of updates like this one that we received from Thom's Classroom this week: I hope that this message finds you well.  It has been so confusing and hard to cope with the new cases of Covid-19 and alarming rise in deaths that have come with this  second wave of the pandemic in Malawi. Last week, two cabinet ministers succumbed to the disease which has so far claimed 285 lives as of last week only. Meanwhile, the schools are closed again and there are some crucial measures in place to follow. This is really hard times for my students especially  those who come from the poorest families... who cannot afford to buy some protective materials to protect themselves while they are at home.  If there is any way you help these little children's household

  Dear Miriam, We're delighted to receive your email, and we're very grateful for your fundraising efforts! This is so appreciated at such a challenging time for our teams in Blantyre and Mangochi. It will make an enormous difference to the children in our care at the Infant homes and for those who have been fortunate to return home, in their communities in Malawi too.  Best wishes, Grace  Click here to read the Christmas update from Open Arms Click here to see how The Sipping Point was able to raise funds for Open Arms  

Thanks to Miriam Reynolds and the wine lovers of our Watson's Malawi Partnership community, we have been able to give Open Arms £1,900 this month.  Miriam has organised a series of wine - and gin - tastings over the last couple of months and has given over all the profits to the Watson's Malawi Partnership.  She has kindly agreed to extend her sessions until March. Group sessions over zoom; DIY tasting notes for the zoom-shy or indeed, any way that suits you!  If you are interested, you can read all about here on the WMP website . And please do share these details with your friends, family and work colleagues. The  more, the merrier!