A Portrait of One Family
While recently working at Malawi Children’s Mission, I had the privilege to visit with families in the community, catch up with our children and play a lot of checkers. What stood out most this trip was that MCM’s growth over the years created a wide range of programming that addresses the individual challenges of each child. I left with a deeper appreciation for the scope of work being done to change lives.
One family’s story illustrates MCM’s individual approach to “raising” every child out of poverty towards independence.
In 2015 Phoebe, MCM’s Director of Social Services, learned about a woman in the community struggling to raise her 4 grandchildren; Jackson (2), Mervis (5), Chimwemwe (7) and Aisha (10). Enifa, the grandmother, became their sole guardian when both parents passed away, however she had no extra resources to provide their basic needs. Thankfully the children joined MCM and were able to receive food, medical care, counseling and attend school. As with all of MCM children at night they’d go back to their guardian’s home.
Enifa suffered from medical issues but did her best to care for the children; that was until Mervis became sick with meningitis and tuberculosis at age 7. Mervis required extensive rehabilitation and continuous care due to the long term physical and cognitive effects of the diseases. Her grandmother could not provide this care. In her best interest the decision was made to hire a caregiver and rent a separate home for Mervis. Last year a handicapped accessible house was built on MCM’s property, The Mervis House, where she lives with her caregivers, receives physical therapy, medical care and every day is a part of the loving community. The house also provides emergency care options for other children.
Aisha attended school through Standard 6 but at the age of 17 became pregnant. She was left as a single mother, uneducated with no means to provide for her family. Recently, she visited MCM and learned about the vocational training opportunities now offered at the center. Eneless, MCM’s Young Women’s Initiative Coordinator, explained that Aisha is welcome to take part in the tailoring or barbering certificate programs providing the prospect to start a small business.
Chimwemwe struggles in school but has made it to Form 1, the first year of secondary education. He attends a local government school so that he can live at home versus board. Chimwemwe became Jackson's guardian 3 years ago when their grandmother passed away. They are considered a child-headed household. To guarantee that both boys stay in school they receive meals 7 days a week at MCM, otherwise one or both would have to find piecework and manage a garden to survive. Like all of MCM’s children, Chimwemwe will be sponsored through the highest level of education he seeks towards a vocation.
Jackson now 10 years old in MCM Academy’s Standard 3 classroom, has always been a little guy with a big personality. His behavior has improved considerably with counseling as he’s learned to manage his anger and fear. Jackson is bold and confident, wearing a perpetual smile. His clothing is more tattered than most and he usually can’t find a pencil but he is fiercely independent. He makes the long walk to the center every day knowing that he is loved and cared for at MCM. It is his “home” and the staff are his “parents”.
These precious children have hope because they are a part of MCM. The cumulative impact of the services and opportunities provides all they need to reach their full potential. Without MCM, their futures would be narrowly defined. My thankfulness extends to MCM’s generous donors who make all of this possible.
Karen Rhen Hirsh - MCM US Director
