Meet our students
Amadu Bwanali
A Letter From Amadu, a Fochta Alumni.
Glad to inform you all that I am at present working as a District Operations Officer (DOO) for CAMFED in Zomba District. CAMFED is an International NGO working in 5 African countries. Its mission is to tackle poverty and inequality in rural Africa by championing girls’ education and women’s leadership.
My work involves managing a bursary program for the organization at primary and secondary schools. I work with district Stakeholders from various government sectors such as Social Welfare, Police, Education, Court and Health in managing the project activities. I work with the committee in selecting needy learners for bursaries. I ensure that the bursary entitlements such as stationery are procured and distributed to the beneficiaries in all 245 partner schools. I also plan activities, implement and produce activity reports. I also represent the organization at district level in various meetings. In addition, I also work with other people in the community such as traditional leaders, mother support groups and CAMFED Alumni called CAMA in ensuring that the bursary beneficiaries do not drop out from school.
I have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls. My wife, Tawina, has a Diploma in Journalism and is currently doing business.
I always remember what FOCHTA did to me in sponsoring my education from secondary school up to university where I graduated with a Social Science Degree. I am always grateful to FOCHTA for taking care of me by paying my school fees, mentoring me and offering guidance and counselling. I feel FOCHTA is my second parent. I shall always remember that. I also give Honor to FOCHTAs patron and my dear great brother Claude Ho for his love and care towards me since 2003 to date. His generosity, care and love has enabled me and other vulnerable children to realize their dreams and potential in life.
Kind regards,
Amadu BwanaliDistrict Operations Officer - Zomba
Kondwani Biton
In early December 2009, Kondwani Biton, a FOCHTA beneficiary, completed a vocational course in motor vehicle mechanics at the Malawi Children’s Village Technical College. He has been helping the FOCHTA office in Thyolo, service their car. This is what he had to say in a recent email:
”Allow me to appreciate for giving me a helping hand in both secondary and tertiary education. I understand it was not simple for you to do such a thing to me but because of your hardworking spirit, I have reached this stage. Once again allow me to say thanks. I hope and believe that you are going to do the same thing for my fellow beneficiaries and other needy students.”
Christopher Lawrence
Christopher Lawrence, aged 21, lives in Thyolo with his adopted mother and her family of seven children. He lost his mother at a young age and was then taken care of by his grandparents. Christopher was sponsored by FOCHTA to complete forms 1 to 4. He has now graduated from secondary school and has been working for FOCHTA as a casual staff member since April 2007.
Beatrice Sikelo
Beatrice Sikelo, aged 13, is in Form 1 at Mikombe Community Day Secondary School. She has been a FOCHTA beneficiary since January 2010.
Beatrice’s father died when she was very young and she lives with her mother who is a subsistence farmer.
Her dream is to become a medical doctor so that she can help the sick in her community. However, Beatrice says her dream might not be realised because of the challenges her school faces: her class has 75 students, the school has insufficient books and it takes her several hours to walk to school.
Beatrice is extremely grateful to FOCHTA for introducing the Girls Tutorial Program. She promises to work hard in class and asks FOCHTA to continue sponsoring her and other students.
Dyna Mphanje
Dyna Mphanje was orphaned when she was three years old. Now 17, she and her brother and sister live with their aunt and cousin.
Dyna finished secondary school at Providence Secondary School in 2009 and will sit for university entrance exams in April 2010. Fochta has been supporting her since 2006.
In the past months Dyna has picked up computer skills while visiting the FOCHTA office. She has shown such proficiency as to be able to teach what she has learnt to a group of senior students three times a week.
At home she helps her aunt grow food crops such as maize.
Dyna aspires to be a nurse so that she can help the sick in her community and pay for her brother to attend secondary school.
Dyna is thankful to FOCHTA for its support towards her education at secondary school and hopes the organisation can continue to assist needy children.
Her advice to fellow girls is that they should work hard at school in order to secure a brighter future.