About Us...

Project: 
Chembe Child was inspired by Likoma Island's Island Child program and founded by Kelly Ritter and Dominique Antonie.  We were both living and working in the village for a short period when we decided to take notice of the desperate need of a project like Chembe Child and make something happen.  Living and working in one of Malawi's most popular tourist destinations, we're constantly reminded of the demand for an educational sponsorship project.  Currently there are over 1500 kids in the primary school that don't have the tools they need to get a proper education.  We hope that along with your support, we can change this one child at a time.  Zikomo!

Kelly Ritter:

Born in raised in the old US of A - education has always been a big part of my life!  I've always said I'd be a professional student if it paid better.  I happily managed to graduate from the University of MN with a degree in socio-cultural anthropology and near eastern archaeology.  My senior thesis was focused on the influences of children in our culture and how we construct our youth through media.  My original intensions were to take my anthropology degree to a PHD level but after 5 years of study decided to take some time off to take on other opportunities which have now led me to Malawi.  To me, education is the best thing you can give a child and it's great to have the opportunity to give back to the community of Chembe Village is such a great way.  I'm currently running Gaia House - a small budget lodge in Cape Maclear!

Dominique Antonie:

I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. I am a qualified teacher and have always wanted to help in education. I moved to Malawi in January 2008 and realised there was a huge need for fund-raising in Cape Maclear. I am, at the moment, volunteering to teach English to a hand full of the children in the village. It is a challenge, which I am all up for. As I walk through the village, the children shout my name as though I was a celebrity. They even, sometimes, make up a song and dance as I go past. Children are the future and they have welcomed me as though one of there own. It's our turn to give back.