Tweni Nikisi is one of the children in our Chifundo program in Kalieka Township, Malawi. Like a few of the Chifundo children, Tweni is Muslim, from the Yao tribe; but unlike most of them Tweni still has both a mother and father. She came to came to our program because of an incident early last year that changed their lives.
Her father, Mr. Nikisi, had a typical small business selling used clothes in the streets of Lilongwe. His business was doing well enough for him to care for his five children until the day he was attacked by thieves. Beaten and robbed of all of his clothes and money, he had no way to start his small business again. Tweni’s mother , who has an 8th grade education, was forced to leave her children to work as labor at a private company where she receives very little money – not even enough to provide for the basic needs of her children. Her desire is to make enough money so that her husband can purchase more used clothes and build his business up again.
Until that time, Tweni and two of her siblings will continue to receive food and care through our Chifundo program. Chifundo director Moses M’Tambo reports that Tweni, who just turned ten years old on October 15th, is a quiet girl who loves dancing and playing with toys. She is healthy and since her enrollment in the program has required no medical treatments. She is not prone to fighting and gets along well with other children. Moses writes that Tweni has “great potentional and if she can be supported spiritually, psychologically and also physically she can become a wonderful person to the family and the community. Let’s join hands and make this little girl realize her God-given potential!”
Along with this story about Tweni, Moses also sends current information on his Chifundo team’s activities in the month of November. It is obvious that they keep a close watch on these children. When Mussah and Ivy Yusufu were not present, for instance, they knew it was because they left to visit their grandmother in the village. When young Samson became ill with malaria in early November Moses acted quickly to send him to the hospital. (NOTE: Although Ancient Path purchased mosquito nets for each of the children in the program, and the Kalieka team ensures that the nets are being used for the children, it remains that malaria is a killer in Africa and children are it’s most vulnerable victims.)
Moses also personally visits the children in their homes on a monthly basis. He reports that when he recently visited the home of the Bright, Blessing and Praise Kandulu he found that they had been left home alone. The guardian may have been hauling water from the well or carrying maize to the mill for grinding – so this is not unusual in a place where day to day life is so difficult. Most Malawian children are forced to become self-sufficient at a very young age and the Kandulu children are no exception.
As for the day to day Chifundo program, it continues to grow. Two days weekly, the 20 core children come for hot nutritious meals and varied activities such as Bible stories, scripture memorization, art lessons – and Moses writes that they have started a dance program! (We’re looking forward to seeing video of this!) On Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, these children are joined by 40-50 others for stories, art, play, dancing – and a few biscuits to quiet the hunger pangs.Moses reports that the number of children outside of the core Chifundo feeding program grows steadily.
He writes: Our challenges remains the same; as you can see that the number of children from outside Chifundo program is increasing almost with 5% every month; this number is very high; and if this number continues to increase in six or twelve months to come we are not going to be able to accommodate all these kids on this area; we need your prayers.” His prayer requests for this month include:
- Land to build a multi-purpose facility so the children will have a place to meet
- More toys for the children. The few jumpropes, soccer balls and Lego blocks are wearing out with continual use and are not enough for this number of children.
- Restock of basic medicines for the children – such as malaria and worm medications
- Growing love and unity for the Chifundo team members. These dedicated workers labor daily with growing numbers of children they don’t have the heart to turn away, limited resources and space.
Let’s pray together and ask God to continue to provide for these beautiful children and those that serve them. If you would like to donate to the Chifundo program for orphans and vulnerable children, click here. Or email us for more information at info@ancientpath.com