By: Kassim Kajosolo
On a quiet Wednesday morning in Lilongwe, the usual rhythm at the Social Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) and Crisis Nursery was interrupted, not by distress, but by relief. For the children who call the centre home, and for the caregivers who work tirelessly to support them, hope arrived in the form of a K10 million donation from the Meridian Group of Companies.
Meridian, a consortium that comprises of Farmers World limited, Agora, Opticem, and Malawi Fertiliser Company, brought more than assorted goods, it brought reassurance to a centre that constantly grapples with limited resources and growing demand.
For SRC Manager Ireen Lakudzala, the donation touched the heart of the centre’s daily struggle: feeding vulnerable children.
“This support means that our children will not go to bed hungry,” Lakudzala said, her voice filled with emotion.
“Feeding is one of our biggest challenges. Knowing that we now have supplies to sustain our feeding programmes gives us peace of mind.”
The SRC and Crisis Nursery cater for children who have experienced neglect, abuse, abandonment, or conflict with the law.
Many arrive at the centre carrying deep emotional scars, and the journey to healing often begins with the simple assurance of a regular meal and a safe place to sleep.
“For a child who has known uncertainty, even a meal becomes a symbol of care,” Lakudzala explained.
“This donation allows us to offer not just food, but dignity.”
Beyond the immediate items delivered, the Meridian Group’s support runs deeper as the consortium also covers monthly salaries for 15 members of staff at the centre, an intervention Lakudzala described as critical to the institution’s survival.
“Our staff are the backbone of this centre. When their salaries are guaranteed, they can focus fully on caring for the children. It reduces stress and improves the quality of support we give.”
Caregivers at the centre echoed this sentiment, noting that consistent staffing helps build trust between children and those guiding them through rehabilitation.
“Children open up when they see familiar faces,” Lakudzala added.
“Staff stability makes a huge difference in counselling, behaviour change, and emotional recovery.”
Representing the Meridian Group, Vitumbiko Mtonga, who is also Marketing Manager at Farmers World, said the donation forms part of the group’s annual corporate social responsibility programme and supports government efforts to protect vulnerable children.
But for the beneficiaries, the gesture goes beyond policy alignment.
“This is not just corporate social responsibility on paper,” Lakudzala said.
“It is responsibility in action. It tells us that the private sector sees these children and values their future.”
As the items were offloaded and stored, children watched curiously from a distance, unaware of the monetary value attached to the donation, but certain of its impact.
In the coming weeks, fuller plates, calmer routines, and motivated caregivers will quietly reflect the difference made.
“Every act of kindness counts,” Lakudzala said softly. “Today, the Meridian Group has reminded us that we are not alone in this work.”
In a place where vulnerability is part of daily life, the donation stands as a powerful reminder that compassion, when matched with action, can change stories, one child at a time.