Regina
(a great cook no matter what the style of kitchen!)
Bob
(looks like 'Shaggy' off Scooby Doo, standing at the back of all the children!)
Having met in Malawi, Bob and Regina are the co-founders of Mphatikizo (pronounced im-par-tee-key-zo!). Mphatikizo is Chichewa for 'join together' and the idea for the charity was born from the deficiencies they both saw in the delivery of aid in Africa, as well as an overwhelming drive to help Regina's people. The charity is officially registered in New Zealand; more details can be found at www.charities.govt.nz
The people and places involved...
Husband and dad, surfer, climber and engineer (you have to work sometimes!). Originally from South Canterbury, New Zealand. Well-travelled, seen it all kind of guy...Just wants to get on with making a difference in people's lives, genuine, practical, has-a-heart-of-gold bloke (come on, help him help them - donate button top of the page!). Married Regina in Malawi, currently living in Christchurch, NZ with their two children
Mum, wife, women in business advocate, chef extraordinaire and definitely seen it all kind of girl...from hunger in Malawi to earthquakes in Christchurch, NZ, Regina's been packing in her once-in-a-lifetime experiences (the type most of us would prefer to avoid), but this warrior woman is determined to make this a lifetime that counts; helping others who just need a hand-up out of poverty...
Malawi was formerly known as Nyasaland and shares borders with Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania. The country is approximately the size of the South Island of New Zealand. The estimated population is approximately 15 million people, of which 75% live below the poverty line (less than a dollar a day).
Our Logo
(the Baobab Tree)
Malawi
(small and beautiful land-locked country in mid-Africa)
The Baobab tree is also known as the 'Tree of Life'. It can store up to 1,200 gallons of water in its trunk and branches which can be accessed even in droughts and bears nutrient rich fruits. It is a symbol of hope and life - which is exactly what is hoped 'Mphatikizo' will come to represent to the people of Malawi.