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Thomas Moyo - Bulala, Malawi
Celebrating National Day of Education
Friday 19th November 2010 by Thomas
A few months ago I received an official invitation to be a guest speaker at my old school for National Educational Day. I have to say I was a bit nervous. I had a huge job ahead of me to encourage children to continue with their education. I was in primary school many years ago and so much has changed between my generation and today’s children.
On 27th October, we set out at 9am with to Chizungu Education Zone where children and parents from over 10 schools gathered waiting for us. The Primary Education Advisor and a team of teachers and local leaders welcomed us. I could see that everybody was very curious to hear from me.
Child parliaments in Malawi
Thursday 17th December 2009 by Thomas
I met recently with Asmaa, a 14-year-old girl, who participates in Chidyake Child Parliament and I want to take this opportunity to share with you the impact it is having on her life, and in turn other children in Malawi.
In March 2009, EveryChild introduced the Child Parliament as another form of child participation in decision making. The Child Parliament provides an opportunity for all children in the community to make their voices heard. EveryChild has now supported communities to form 8 Child Parliaments which feed into the National Child Parliament in our capital Lilongwe.
Asmaa represented children from the Chidyake Child Parliamentfor the first time at the National Child Parliament session at the beginning of December. 114 children from 28 districts in Malawi attended the National Child Parliament where they discussed important issues such as universal access to antiretroviral drugs for children with HIV and AIDs.
My time in London
Friday 2nd October 2009 by Thomas
I touched down at Heathrow on the early hours of Monday 28th September 2009. Everybody in London is friendly and willing to help. Heathrow is magnificent with modern architecture. Laura Clark from the Fundraising department at EveryChild came to welcome me from Malawi. London city is very beautiful and everything is exciting. London has amazing buildings and the streets are really clean. Oh! Lovely London. Stories were told about the city but they did not bring out exactly how the city looks. My experience going through the tube was fascinating.
I had several meetings with Fundraising, Programmes and Sponsorship teams in
the UK. Everyone was very supportive. It was amazing to see different teams working as a family. I have learnt a lot which I am bringing to the Bulala Community.
It was a moving experience talking to our sponsors and donors. Words
fail me to exactly express my emotional experience of meeting people who have stood by us during hard economic times. They came in large numbers to listen to experiences in Malawi. I felt the warmth, love and passion our partners have for vulnerable children and those without parental care, not only in Malawi, but across the world. What a moment for me. To see our sponsors who have encouraged our children to fight on despite the challenges they meet. The messages you send to children have been inspiring. This was an unforgettable moment for me, to meet you our dear partners and sponsors.
Our dear sponsors and donors, we don’t take your presence for granted. We know you are busy people, your coming has given me and my colleagues in Malawi strength to do even more for children so that one day their aspirations and ambitions may be fulfilled. Your support is not only saving lives but developing children into responsible citizens who can contribute to the further development of a safe environment for everyone.
I did present the situation of children in Malawi and what is being done with your support. I believe things will change. One day we are going not to share the miseries children are passing through but the changes, experiences and warmth of our children and communities. I wish you good health and joy as we continue to walk together side by side pulling children above the poverty line. Lastly, I say, together, we are going to change the world for the better. Thank you very much for supporting us so much. I have spent one week in London but time has flown so fast for me. My seven days are like one day.
Making my first trip to the UK
Thursday 24th September 2009 by Thomas
Hello my name is Thomas Moyo. I am the Project Coordinator from the Bulala Project in Malawi and this is my first ever blog from Bulala.
Much of the time I am out and about in the community meeting with the children and families supported by EveryChild. Some of the children I meet have lost parents to HIV and AIDS, some are child labourers and others are victims of violence and abuse. I’m going to be regularly updating this blog on what EveryChild is doing to help improve the lives of these vulnerable children.
Next week I will be making my first trip to the UK to speak at two fundraising events. Maybe I’ll meet some of you there.
Meeting a family in Bulala
Being told I was visiting the UK!
Wednesday 16th September 2009 by Thomas
It was another ordinary day in Bulala. The day started with staff sharing responsibilities of what they were going to do during the week. After the meeting project team members went about their daily work but I remained in the office as I had some reports to write. At 10:20 am, Smart, our Country Director phoned me. He broke the news to me about the fundraising event in London and I couldn’t believe it.
“There is a fundraising event in London which you are going to attend in October this year. They want somebody on the ground to share experiences on our work with sponsors and partners. Could you send your passport to Lilongwe for us to begin processing your visa?” asked Smart.
The whole day was like a dream. I never thought I could visit UK to shareexperiences on EveryChild work in Malawi. The trip still feels like a dream. The Project team is very excited and is helping me to put information together.
This week I went to Lilongwe to apply for Visa. I had a lot of anxieties then because some people do not get UK visa. I was lucky because my visa came in time.
I am very excited to be part of this great fundraising event. The children and their families here are very excited that I am coming to tell people in the UK about the challenges they face. This will be my first time in the UK. Of late, I enjoy watching Sky News when I am at home with my family. It is like I am already in the UK.
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