Grace Orphan Care was established by Ernest Pondeponde in 2004.  Ernest is a young Malawian man living in Zomba. He founded Grace after witnessing the growing problem of children who are disabled, orphaned and/or vulnerable going uncared for in his community. After completing a survey around the Thundi School area on the outskirts of Zomba to find out more about the causes of deaths and poverty in the area, Ernest used his own money to begin a weekly meeting for local children. The first meeting took place in October 2004 with six children.  Relying on meager income from selling used vegetable oil in the market, Ernest undertook to provide for these children and assist them in the most basic of needs.

Since that time, Ernest has built partnerships with local and international associates, to help provide the resources required to support Grace Orphan Care.  Africycle has been one of those partners, assisting by providing bicycles, funds and counsel.  Africycle has supported Grace financially through the sales of bicycles at the Zomba shop, and continues to provide support in an on-going basis.

In the summer of 2008, Africycle was instrumental in assembling a team of individuals who traveled to Malawi to construct a large multi-purpose facility for the children and to work with the teachers at Grace to develop curriculum for their after-school programs.  The result has been incredible; seeing the physical progression at Grace is truly inspirational.

Grace Orphan care now offers daily programs for children, serving five communities in the area, caring for over 200 children!