The Maloto Journal

Hi all, this is Mandy again updating from Mzuzu. I’ve begun teaching full-time now and it’s been awesome. The kids I’m teaching (they’re from the Kwithu Center) are all amazing - they work so hard and I can’t believe they come to me after a full day of school with that much energy and determination. It’s truly impressive, and I have to admit that I think some kids from the U.S. could take tips from these Malawian students on work ethic.

Our classes have been taking place at Mzuzu Academy, which is also great. The space is beautiful and the kids are really excited to be learning there.

Walani and Isaac doing some acrobatics at Kwithu

Me and Faith

On Sunday, Anna and I went to Lake Malawi, which is truly gorgeous. The drive through northern Malawi was breathtaking, and being be able to relax at the beach for a few hours was heaven.

Hi everyone,

My name is Mandy, and I’m a new volunteer here with Maloto.  I’ll be spending the next three months working with children from the Kwithu Feeding Center in Mzuzu and helping about fifteen of them prepare for their entrance exams into Mzuzu Academy.  As Anna says, I am only “four days old” in Mzuzu.  The people here have been so kind and welcoming, and I feel I’ve known many of them longer than four days.  In fact, everyone I meet in Mzuzu greets me with a handshake and welcomes me.  I am still adjusting to a lot - the smells, the food, the layout of the city, and probably most notably, the amount of poverty that surrounds us.  It’s hard to see children walking around with no shoes on, many of whom are dirty, or emaciated, or both.  But many of them are laughing and playing like any other children would.  Anna and I were saying today, children are children, no matter where you go.

Yesterday I harvested beans with the women and children of Kwithu.  They all work so hard; I am amazed at their ethic.  We had a fun (and tiring) day, and it was so nice to finally meet the people I will be working with.  Today, I met some of the women and children at the center, where we played some getting-to-know-you games and English games like Simon Says.  We are anxiously awaiting the teaching materials, and until then I am planning some of my own lessons and group activities.

Anna and I harvesting beans

The Kwithu Farm

Playing Simon Says at the center

You can see all of my pictures here and visit my personal blog, Small Bright World, for more updates.

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