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We Americans were greatly moved by the singing of the girls at the Likuni Secondary School for Girls in Lilongwe, Malawi. A particular girl here, one among many whom we support, is doing extremely well in her studies, despite having had a hard life. Mary is an 18 year old orphan in Form 4 (senior year.) Her parents divorced when she was young. She was raised by a grandmother, a farmer, north of here. Her mom died 8 years ago and her dad after that. Mary would like to attend the University of Malawi to become either a journalist or a political leader. She received an award for excellence in scholarship, and her photo appears in this update. Sister Clementine is the Head of the school. She says most of the girls here are selected by the government after competing in a national exam. She adds that it is difficult for a girl to find a rewarding job without further education. Many of the girls would love to go to college, a nursing school, or a teacher's college if funds were available. We assist girls in forms 2, 3, and 4, the equivalent of the final three years of high school. Our funds buy them school supplies like pens and personal items they could not purchase otherwise, like sanitary pads, soap, and skin lotion. And we provide the $171 that covers their school fees for a full year. At the ceremony welcoming us one girl reads a speech thanking us for our help. Another asks for continued GAIA support. There are other speeches and soon it is my turn. I tell them we want strong, smart girls and women for Malawi's future, and that we are very proud of them. We provide similar assistance to some orphaned boys in a related secondary school as well, and another 34 students at the Lilongwe Girls' Secondary School. Lots of the young people at all these schools are orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV. In a teacher's lounge at one school is a small blackboard for personal announcements, requests, and the like. "Remember Social Welfare Contribution to: Mrs. C, Mrs. K," reads one phrase, and below that, "It is well with my soul." We were greatly affected by the young people and their teachers, and grateful to our U.S. donors whose generosity enables these orphaned kids to have a chance at a meaningful future. Rev. Dr. William Rankin Email GAIA info@thegaia.org • Tel 415-461-7196 • Visit our website: http://www.thegaia.org |
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