Mnyaula Community School

Tilile Banda, Age 11

Tilele lives with her family of eight. Her parents had never previously wanted to enroll in the nearest government school due to the long distance, but Mnyaula Community School has now provided her an opportunity for education. As her mother explains, Mnyaula has provided relief to Tilele who has been crying for education (her name translates to "we shall cry").

Gift Banda, Age 9

Gift is a single orphan who lost his mother and lives with his aunt (elder sister to his late mother). Gift has a twin brother who is currently looking after cattle (cow boy). Gift is trying to convince his brother to quit his job which is dangerous and low-paying so that he can join him in school and they can create a better future for themselves and their family.

Rasam Zulu, Age 6

Rasam has two brothers and is living with his mother who was divorced two years ago. He has been enrolled in grade 1 and is very happy to be in school. Rasam was involved in a fire accident and had his left arm burned, however he manages to write using his right hand. The community school is helping him attain an education, as it would have been difficult for Rasam's mother to buy a uniform and the government school.

Tryson Banda, Age 16

Tryson has never been to school before because he was made to look after cattle. Despite the fact that he is already 16, he intends to work hard and catch up in his education.

Ireed Banda, Age 13

Ireed had previously lost interest in education due to the long distance to the nearest school. Now that a school is available on her doorstep, her parents have enrolled her and she is once again excited to pursue her education.

Alice Mbewe, Age 9

Alice is in grade 1 and lives with both her parents and two siblings. She is determined to continue her education and complete grade 12.

Jorina Banda, Age 9

Jorina is from a large family of 11. Her parents could not manage to send all the children to school because of the expense of higher fees at the government school. However, she is now grateful that her parents can afford to support her in attending Mnyaula through a contribution of 3 gallons of maize per year.

Gezile Banda, Age 11

Gezile wishes to complete grade 12 so that she can find employment besides farming, which she considers hard labor. She lives with both parents and has two brothers and two sisters.

Shadreck Phiri, Age 8

Shadreck is a double orphan who lost both parents from HIV. He is also HIV positive through mother to child transmission and is on ARV's. Shadreck lives with an old grandmother who has no source of income to support him in a government school which requires a uniform and high fees. Mnyuala has now made his education possible.

Robert Banda, Age 11

Robert is lame on one of his legs as a result of a bull attack when he was four. He was unable to start school because of the long walking distance to the nearest government school, but is now excited that there is a school in his village.