Thank you for visiting our website and blog! We are grateful for your interest and concern for the people of Malawi. In 2003, I returned home for my sister’s funeral. I was surprised by the number of children at the funeral. When I asked why, I was told that so many children had lost their parents to AIDS and were struggling to survive in their communities. These children came to funerals with hopes of getting some food. It made me sad, because when I was growing up children never attended funerals. I didn’t think this should be happening, and I felt compelled to do something. I spoke with the women in the community and we formed the Kwithu Women’s Group. The Kwithu Women’s Group now manages the Kwithu Feeding Center, where we provide hot meals to more than 120 orphans and vulnerable children. With your support, we will soon be able to offer meals to 500 children. We have already begun construction on a permanent center — the rainy season will no longer effect our ability to cook and provide meals. We also offer after school learning and recreation activities. These activities are very important. But much more is needed. Malawi’s brightest children need access to quality education in order to be equipped to become tomorrow’s capable leaders. This is true everywhere, but is particularly so in Malawi where HIV/AIDS has had a devastating effect on communities; a generation of caregivers, teachers, community members and leaders has been lost… and are dearly missed. Add to this an educational system in decline and the situation becomes even worse. We want this to change. We are building Mzuzu Academy, the northern region’s first internationally accredited secondary school. With Mzuzu Academy we will provide the highest quality education for 400 children, including full scholarships to the brightest and most needy children so that they can receive an education that they would have never dreamed possible. It is only through education and empowerment that Malawi will be able to address its many problems. Our dreams are big, but we have made great progress so far. With your help we can do so much more. Together, we can improve and change the lives of so many women, children, and their communities in Malawi. Join this cause and get involved now. Supporters of all ages from everywhere around the world are needed. Please visit our video page to see our projects in action.
- Anna Msowoya Keys
Tags: africa, children, community, development, donate, educate, empower, HIV/AIDS, malawi, Maloto, non-profit, schools, women
WOW. Proud is an overused word but I will use it still. I am very proud of you. Words are one thing but putting them into action is quite another. Best of luck, I am watching your dreams come true. The good thing about it all is that they are OUR dreams.