Empowering Lives & Transforming Futures

Nestled in the rural village of Cape Maclear within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chipatso is just a two-minute walk from the shores of Lake Malawi, the 10th largest lake in the world and the 3rd deepest. We are dedicated to supporting single mothers, children from vulnerable backgrounds and orphans in this community by providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

At Chipatso, we are driven by core values of transparency, empathy, and integrity. These principles guide everything we do, from how we support our families to how we engage with the community. Our entire team is committed to upholding these values and inspiring others to do the same.

Join

Empowerment Programs

Volunteer With Us

What We've Built

Stay With Us

Empowering Lives Through Jobs, Education & Support

In Chichewa, Chipatso means "a gift of fruit", a symbol of nourishment and hope. At Chipatso we provide safe housing, education, and job opportunities for the most vulnerable children and single mothers in Cape Maclear, Malawi. Our priority is to support orphans and children from at-risk families, ensuring they grow up in a stable, nurturing environment with access to education and opportunity.

Our Mission

Chipatso is dedicated to transforming lives by educating vulnerable children and empowering single mothers through employment. By breaking cycles of poverty, we help families thrive, gain stability, and build brighter futures.

Donate

What We've Built

Chipatso has created a safe and supportive community where families can rebuild their lives. Our initiatives include:

Housing: We've built four homes for single mothers. Two are currently occupied with a third, family of seven, moving in soon.

Education: Our scholarship fund supports 54 students, from preschool through college.

Nutrition: We provide daily meals to 60 children, ensuring no child in our program goes hungry.

We believe that education opens doors to better job opportunities, allowing families to become self-sufficient. As mothers secure stable employment, they can transition out of Chipatso, making room for other families in need.

A Village Within a Village

Chipatso is more than a housing project - it's a thriving community. Our site includes:

• Single-mother homes • A farm • The Knighting Nutrition/Education Center • A restaurant • Five lodges and volunteer quarters

These initiatives provide employment opportunities for single mothers in Cape Maclear. Currently, we employ six single mothers, two of whom live on-site with their nine children.

Visit our programs page for more details

Volunteer With Us

Experience the heart of Chipatso firsthand! Share your skills with our community. Whether it's cooking, art, crafts, sewing, music, or something else, we welcome you.

We especially need help with:

•Painting & decorating • Tiling & grouting • Gardening • Preparing & serving food for our nutrition program • Tutoring in English conversation and grammar • Teaching new skills to our mothers and children

Your Stay at Chipatso

Our lodges, located on the same property as co-founder Ilia Carson-Letelier's home, are just a five-minute walk from the shores of Lake Malawi with some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see. The site is fully enclosed with 24-hour security, though it's safe for women to walk alone at night.

We are conveniently located behind the Billy Riordan Medical Center, which offers transport to larger hospitals if needed. The center is staffed by qualified English-speaking doctors and nurses, with medication available for various needs.

During your stay you'll have access to:

• Hot water • AC (in some lodges) • Western-style toilets and showers • Multiple electrical outlets • Chipatso's own restaurant along with several outdoor dining areas and fire pit

While occasional outages may occur, we'll do our best to make your stay is as comfortable as possible.

29.5+ thousand followers on TikTok...come join our family!

Please contact us for additional information and rates at chipatsoproject@yahoo.com