The Story of Student Memory
Memory Kubwalo was born in 1998. She and her older sister Martha lost their parents when Memory was nine. Their grandmother cared for them until, shortly after, she too died.
The girls were then separated. Memory, when she was in standard 8, went to live with an uncle, and Martha to an aunt. When village authorities prevented these relatives from taking what little the girls had left from their parents, the relatives abandoned the girls.
Memory and Martha lived alone for some time, until Martha married, believing this would better enable her to support her young sister.
Martha’s marriage ended in divorce and a baby, so when Memory gained entry to St Anthony Community Day Secondary School, Martha had mixed feelings - pleased on the one hand that her sister had the chance to continue her education but worry over payment of school fees. as it is not free in Malawi.
Martha learnt about Fochta through our grassroots members who work in the communities, and Memory is now a Fochta bursary recipient.
During recent Girls Initiative Activities Fochta staff realised that Memory was withdrawn and reluctant to join the group. Fochta alumni member Elizabeth Matebule is now mentoring and encouraging her.
Memory will receive clothing, blankets, school materials and emergency rations from Fochta. The girls’ maize will only last until Christmas, there will be none of their staple food from January to March.
Memory would like to become a nurse, and with a little help she will be granted this wish.