A speech given by student Aliko Munyenyembe at a recent FOCHTA fundraising concert
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My name is Aliko, Malawian born and raised. I am studying for my Master of Environmental Science at Macquarie University funded by AusAid. Back home, I have been working for six years at the Malawian Goverment’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy. Before that, I was a high school teacher for three years.
It is a great honour to stand before you all on this fundraising event organised for the people of Malawi inThyolo, particularly knowing that some, if not most of you, will never even get to visit the people you are helping. But through FOCHTA, you have physically, mentally, socially and financially touched many lives.
My speech tonight is about Faith, Hope and Love. You, through FOCHTA, have given the people you support the faith they need to move on, the hope they need to keep believing, and more importantly, you have given them a reason to love. To this, I say thank you very much.
You have shown your faith, hope and love for FOCHTA and its ability to better the lives of my fellow Malawians. In the midst of all the economic, social, health, food insecurity, poverty, academic, political, governance and many other challenges my country is facing, you are providing a fighting chance to a people you just hear about and see in photos. You have given an opportunity for a better education, a better future, a better life, all through your faith, hope and love. These I do not take for granted. May God bless you as you continue being a blessing to may others.
I did not know before a lot about FOTCHAs activities, but when I return home, i will take it upon myself to frequently visit and encourage the people on site, knowing i have seen the people behind the mission.
And finally a very big thank you to Claude, for through you and your passion many boys, girls and families, and even the community as a whole have been given a reason to believe they can, if not more.
Thank you all so much and may God bless you abundantly.
Thank you.