africa unplugged
africa unplugged was established in 2003/4 by Chris Ashton and friends. Chris first volunteered with different projects within Southern Africa and felt there was a real lack of awareness and understanding between local communities and international visitors, both with regard to their cultural differences and of the issues and challenges people faced in their daily lives. Upon reaching Malawi Chris volunteered with a number of community projects around the Nkhata Bay region and gained an insight into Malawian culture and local issues affecting the area. Shortly afterwards, with the support of local community members and also from family and friends, Chris established aup Malawi. He hoped it would contribute to a more meaningful interaction between community groups and visitors. It was felt that this would also help empower the local community and lead to improved sustainable opportunities for everybody.
From these beginnings Chris and friends established a charitable organization in the U.K. from where support is raised to help on-going projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania
africa unplugged Malawi is run on the ground by Malawians who have established an CBO (Communnity Based Organization) which is headed by Mr Happy Ngwira. aup Malawi currently supports various grass roots projects with educational opportunities, material support, advice and volunteers and has had some vital support over the years from local members Mr Jomoh and Mr Frighton.