Malawian culture has always been known as a treasure trove of wisdom, and proverbs being an integral part of our rich heritage. These timeless sayings have been passed on through generations, offering guidance, direction, and warnings that shape our values, beliefs, and daily lives. In our upcoming blog series, we will delve into the world of Malawian proverbs, exploring their meanings, contexts and significance. Read today's blog post which serves as an introduction to our journey.
Meet Bridget Khunga!
Orant Ulemu Scholarship Student
Meet Bridget Khunga, one of Orant Charities Africa’s 7 Ulemu Scholarship students.
Aged 20, Bridget hails from Mwanjasi Village in Northern Malawi. She is the second born in a family of three.
Bridget’s father passed when she was 9 years old. She and her siblings were raised by a single mother, a peasant farmer.
“After the passing on of my father, life became really hard,” says Bridget. “My mum had a huge responsibility to provide for the three of us. I decided to work hard in school to change my family’s story.”
Bridget’s hard work was not in vain. She did well in her Primary School Leaving Exams. She was selected to Nkhamenya Girls Secondary School. This brought much joy not to her, her family, and her community. However, the joy was short-lived. Secondary School meant an extra responsibility for Bridget’s mother. Bridget’s mother had to think of where her children’s next meal would come from. Not to mention school fees.
“I still managed to go to school without school fees,” says Bridget. “But it was hard for me to concentrate on my studies. I was always worried about being chased out of class. This greatly affected my performance.”
Orant’s Education Program visited Bridget’s school. After listening to Bridget’s story, our Program Manager considered her for a sponsorship.
“It is our greatest desire to see that every girl gets the best possible education for their future,” says Lonjezo Chauya, Education Program Manager. “This goes beyond just paying their school fees. We also make sure they have day to day necessities”
Orant supported Bridget for the four years she was in secondary school. Beyond school fees, we provided her with writing materials, soap, sugar, body lotion, and sanitary pads. In 2020, she wrote her M.S.C.E. After scoring well on the exams, she applied for public universities. She was selected for Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences to study for a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Laboratory Technology.
The introduction of Orant’s University Fund meant an answered prayer for Bridget. As a previously sponsored student, she was eligible to apply. Bridget applied and was one of the first students to be offered the Ulemu Scholarship.
Bridget’s scholarship covers her tuition, food, accommodation, and books.
“I am so thankful to the donors,” says Bridget. “I am anticipating graduating and getting a good job. I plan to reach out to other less privileged kids in my community and beyond.”
Congratulations to Bridget for winning the scholarship!
The Orant Journal
As Big as the Sky Book Review
Read today’s blog about the children’s book, “As Big as the Sky”, a Malawian story about a brother and sister whose love for each other is as big as the sky.
Orant’s Values
“Orant respectfully serves and collaborates with our community in a sustainable way.”
The Village Chief’s Vital Role
Ever wondered why we always mention village chiefs and their involvement in Orant’s work? If yes, then today’s blog article is for you! In this article, we talk to Village Head of Kasese Village in Dowa, who tells us about her duties and why her involvement with Orant is important. Read today's blog article to learn more.
The End of Plenty Book Review
Recently, we read The End of Plenty by Joel K. Bourne Jr. An honest and sometimes scathing review of the Green Revolution, this book covers how monoculture crops have led to worsening hunger across the world. As the planet warms, the need is ever more urgent for us to find a solution to humanity’s desperate need to feed 9 billion people.
Urbanisation in Malawi: MW2063 Pillar #3
As we have discussed in some of our past blogs, Malawi Vision 2063 has three key pillars that guide the focus of the Vision. These three pillars are meant to build on each other to create the inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation that they envision. In this blog, we will look at the third pillar of MW2063: Urbanisation.
Best Things to Do in Malawi
Whether you are planning an African trip or just curious about the things we love about Malawi, read today’s blog to see the best things to do in Malawi!
Holidays in Malawi
Holidays are here again and we are so excited! Most of our team is taking time off with their families and loved ones, so please enjoy this blog while we are away. Celebrate the holidays with us the Malawian way!
The Culture of Malawi: Malawian Religions
Introducing you to the culture of Malawi through a series of articles! The culture of Malawi is strong in spirituality and most people are active in religious groups. We’ll tell you about Malawi’s main religions and the people who practice them. Read on for more.
Industrialisation in Malawi: MW2063 Pillar #2
As we have discussed in some of our past blogs, Malawi Vision 2063 has three key pillars that guide the focus of the Vision. These three pillars are meant to build on each other to create the inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation that they envision. In this blog, we will look at the second pillar of MW2063: Industrialization.