In 1990 a paper maker and a school teacher began a crusade to help improve the standard of primary education in Malawi by training schools to recycle waste paper and make their own hand made exercise books, charts and teaching materials. The methods taught are simple and appropriate to the resources available. The pounding of the waste paper to produce the pulp is done with a pestle and a mortar, traditionally used to pound maize into flour. The moulds are made from chicken wire and mosquito netting and the vat used to hold the pulp whilst making paper is simply an old oil drum cut in half.

Paper Making

It become obvious to PAMET that recycling paper not only offers great benefits to education and environment but it could also provide business opportunities for the poorer members of Malawi society. In 1995 an enterprise Project was started offering training to school leavers and other low-income groups and individuals. The course included practical tuition in papermaking and conversion of paper into products as well as basic accounting and small business management.

All this work has to be paid for. As a small indigenous charity PAMET has limited resources and until recently, has to rely totally on donor organizations and generous well wishers to fund its development activities. While PAMET is very grateful to everyone for their support PAMET realizes that ‘People help those who help themselves” and, with this in mind in 1995, started its own income generating initiative: THE PRODUCTION UNIT.

In early 1995 work began with a staff of three. Things moved slowly at first but gradually customers began to respond with orders. The range and quality of products on offer improved.

In 1996, with the help from the British High Commissioner, PAMET purchased four basic machines namely Hollander Beater, calendaring machine, hydraulic press and a manual paper guillotine. One employee was sent to INDIA for training in handmade paper production. With this help PAMET saw its paper quality and production out-put, increase.