Sustainable change in Phalombe, Malawi
Do you ever wonder why we simply can't manage to eliminate poverty from the world? Maybe you think: it's because resources aren't fairly distributed. There's certainly a kernel of truth in that. But did you know there's also a deeper reason?
People who live in poverty for a long time simply no longer believe they're capable of getting out of that situation on their own. Especially in many parts of Africa, people believe they're dependent on aid from the West in order to survive. That feeling has been reinforced by years of food aid and other forms of assistance that we've sent them. With all good intentions, we've thereby strengthened the dependency and the belief that things will never be different — especially in countries that were once colonies.
That's why, as TRH Foundation, we started a project in Malawi — one of the poorest countries in the world — with a new approach. We focus primarily on addressing those beliefs and work directly together with the people in the village. They do the work, and we help make that possible. So we don't provide direct food aid or other assistance, but instead help them improve their harvest and income so they can take care of themselves and each other.
Pastors, chiefs, and other local leaders play an important role in sustaining these beliefs. We hear this back from our local partners: once people they've trained return to the village, they're sometimes quickly pulled back into old patterns. In addition, many pastors struggle to provide for themselves — many don't even own a Bible of their own. That's why we organize leadership trainings in which they, too, learn to honestly examine their own beliefs and discover how they can help people grow.
TRH Foundation is a Christian foundation focused on addressing the deeper beliefs that sustain poverty and other problems. We do this by working very directly with the people involved, offering them training that not only strengthens their skills but also helps them examine their beliefs. The trainings are delivered by local partners; we support those partners spiritually, practically with materials, and financially so they can carry this out.
You are a chosen people
1 Peter 2:9–10 — But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people, but now are the people of God; who had not received mercy, but now have received mercy.
We believe that for any major change, it's essential that people first start thinking differently about themselves — that they become aware of who they are and how God intended them to be, and that it brings Him honor when they begin to flourish. That's what we shared with the people of Phalombe during our mission trip in August 2025.
Poverty will only truly disappear once people believe it's possible, and consequently work actively together with us on sustainable solutions. And as they achieve results, they will in turn become an inspiration to others living in poverty.
Goal
The goal of TRH Foundation is: to help people become sustainably free from poverty, by equipping leaders and addressing the underlying beliefs that keep people trapped in poverty.
Our approach
To achieve these goals, TRH Foundation focuses on:
• Supporting our local partners and organizations both spiritually and financially to make training & development possible
• Offering training materials in English, Chichewa, or another local language, for use in equipping leaders
• Undertaking mission trips and organizing live conferences on location
• Investing in necessary infrastructure, such as an irrigation system or microcredit for widows who want to start a business
• Setting up a child sponsorship project, in partnership with Nofam, aimed especially at orphans who have no one else to fall back on, so they can finish school, get enough food, and build a future
• Investing in the construction and renovation of buildings with a public function that strengthen community structure and support these goals, such as a church or training centre
Our board
Rianca Evers-den Ouden,founder and chair
Together with pastor Peter Kamodzi Rianca started a movement among leaders. They shared a vision: leaders should be equipped well, and people should learn to take ownership themselves. That is the only to sustainable change.
This movement became TRH-Movement Malawi, een movement that is run bij pastor Mark Kamodzi Zimbiri now. Visit the website of TRH-Movement for more information.
Support us, one-time or ongoing
Make these life changing trainings possible
Help leaders continue to inspire and support their people
Together, let's make sure that in the future no one in Phalombe goes hungry
Help je mee?
Will you help us change the future of the people in Phalombe?• Become a donor for just 15 euros per month• Become a personal child sponsor for 30 euros per month• Give a one-time amount of your choiceEvery gift of any amount is welcome! Fill in the form on your right, it is very easy,Thank you so much.
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TRH Foundation
RSIN / Tax number: 868612686
Postal address: De Reiger 14, 7671 WN Vriezenveen
Phone: 0546-565162
Website: www.stichtingTRH.nl
KvK number: 98718134
Account number: NL16RABO0370058259
TRH brings about transformation in vulnerable areas by equipping leaders and addressing the deep-rooted beliefs that keep people trapped in poverty and other societal problems.
