Charity was a form 4 student at Kasitu Community Day Secondary School. Her family comes from the district north of Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, and she is Tonga by tribe. She was shy and timid, although she worked hard in class, she was not the one to speak up and ask questions.One day Charity's Peace Corps Volunteer-Courtney Wright- asked her if she would be interested in applying to attend Camp GLOW 2009. After a brief discussion of what the camp entails, Charity filled out the application and waited. When she was selected to attend, she was quite excited. She had never travelled past the two districts she has lived in and would have the opportunity to meet girls from all over Malawi. Charity attended Camp GLOW 2009 in early August and came back to Kasitu to share her experience. One thing that Courtney did not expect was the transformation that would happen from this week long girls empowerment camp. Charity came back to Kasitu GLOWING!! The way her face lit up when she described the camp and all that she learned showed Courtney that these camps truly do work. Charity shared with the other girls what it means to be assertive, what it means to have goals, and that they too can accomplish anything if they are willing to work hard. It is because of Charity that Courtney decided to organize Women2Women.
Where is Charity now? Charity has written form 4 exams and although she did not pass, she has not given up her goal of becoming a nurse. The business skills she has learned at Women2Women and some capital given by Courtney has allowed for her to start a mandazi(donut) business in her community, from the profits earned she will assist her family while saving to go back to school in term 2 to learn and begin preparing for the form 4 exams next year.
Charity is by far one of my favorite people here and it is because of her that I know with the right opportunity and resources can change the life of someone, it is because of her that I know the work i'm doing is having an impact and that there are several other "Charitys" in Malawi and the world just waiting for the opportunity to present themselves.
What's the next step for girls like Charity here in Malawi?
Sisters in Senga!
35 girls from across Malawi are coming together to participate in SiSters in Senga, a 5 day workshop focused on girls empowerment, incorporating community development and skills training. We will invite girls that have previously attended a camp, program, or workshop facilitated by Peace Corps Volunteers in the year (Camp GLOW, Women2Women, and Camp Sky). These trainings have incorporated life skills lessons and SiSters in Senga will allow the pre-trained girls to participate in a more hands-on learning experience.
There will be great focus on interpersonal relationships and community responsibility; with the theme being “Service to others as service to self.” With the plethora of donor organizations in Malawi and the ramifications from massive aid that is pumped in to the country, it is easy to lose sight of the possibilities of individual action that often leads to collective mobilization and ultimately change. They will be reminded that no one can develop their country for them; only they have that power as women who are the thread that run through every inch of the nation’s fabric. The girls will conduct hands on projects such as making jam, peanut butter, jewelry, energy efficient stoves with locally available resources, and beekeeping for income generating purposes. They will ultimately participate in a service project to the local community where the camp will be held.
In order for us to implement this program we need assistance. SiSters in Senga will cost around $12,000USD, inclusive of room, board, transport, materials, and speaker fees. We will be able to raise some funds or supplies locally, but need additional assistance from our friends back home. Our goal is to raise $5,000USD by the end of March through stateside donations. We have arranged with First United Methodist Church of Evanston to collect and streamline donations on our behalf. All donations sent through the church will be tax deductible. We appreciate all of your support in this endeavor and throughout our Peace Corps experience. SiSters in Senga will be a success with your assistance.
To make a donation:Send a check to Rev. Jane Cheema at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church street, Evanston, IL 60201.The checks should be made out to First Untied Methodist Church with Peace Corps Camp in the memo line. A tax letter will be sent to those that have donated so please make sure to write a return address legibly.
As always I thank you for your continuous support.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment