Dear colleagues and friends,

Conservation of natural and cultural resources has always seemed like an important mission in life to me, not just a job, not just a career. Helping people to remember our roots in history and cultural traditions is an important public trust. Protecting the planet's resources from excessive use is vital. How could we do more?

Quite simply we would be doing more if our effort saved lives in a very direct way every day. That is the unique interpretive work of the Museums of Malawi. Aaron Maluwa and Michael Gondwe have turned the tools of interpretation and social marketing toward helping people in their East African nation cope with malaria, hunger and HIV. They take their museum programs out to villages and use traditional dances and songs to deliver messages that will protect people who do not understand the vectors of diseases destroying the lives of many in their families.

Recently Aaron and Michael presented the story of their work at NAI's Interpreting World Heritage Conference in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. They told their story with humility and honesty. Those present were touched by the profound importance of their work and their unique approaches to making a difference in Malawi. Many in the two sessions they presented quietly made contributions to their work by directly donating money they could take back. Sanya Pleshakov of Aldrich Pears consultants told of her experience in Malawi working with these unique museum programs. She added a wonderful third party view of how real their challenge is and how dedicated they are in their work.

At the 2007 NAI Interpreting World Heritage Conference in Vancouver, Michael Gondwe and Aaron Maluwa of Malawi discussed how they combat challenges such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, hunger, and poverty through interpretation.

In the spirit of sharing with our colleagues abroad, we have created a fund to collect the contributions of those interested in helping the Museums of Malawi in their vital work. We take no administrative fees from your contributions but monthly wire all funds collected directly to Aaron and Michael to help further the work they can do.

If you would like to help, use the credit card method at right or send a check to NAI at P.O. Box 2246, Fort Collins, CO 80522 with Malawi Museums in the memo area of the check. We will recognize your gift on this website. Aaron, Michael and the people of Malawi will appreciate your thoughtful gift.

Sincerely,
Tim Merriman
Executive Director
NAI

Dear Tim and all,

Happy New Year Tim and all NAI members of staff, I am pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the money that was sent before Christmas. We will use this money next week from the 7th to the 9th of January 2008 for our programs in Chiradzulu District.

Briefly, 2007 has been a very successful year as we have managed to achieve more than ever before. This has been the case just because of NAI''s financial support. When we look back, the 2007 file is full of successful records for this Museum. A New program on Culture and Development has been developed and now being implemented alongside other old ones such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria Prevention Rural Outreach, Food security among others with financial support from NAI. To us this is marvelous and we cannot take this for granted. We are now proven more relevant to the communities than ever before. The Government of Malawi is very thankful and during Management meetings, the Museum has always been mentioned as a best exmaple.

Be very much assured that you are doing a good work to the Malawi Nation. Many organisations are surprized that we have now been more active than ever before. To us all these successes are owed to you and may God bless you all for your support tremendously.

Lastly, you will find attached photos for our previous programs at Chilangoma Teachers's College, St.Joseph Teachers' College, Lilongwe Teachers' College and Museum 2007 World Aids Day campaign that we organized on the 20th of December 2007 at Museum ground that attracted thousands of people including the media.

Regards and God bless you and may 2008 be a year full of progress.

AARON AUSTIN MALUWA
MUSEUMS OF MALAWI