Malawi Reunion

by Tymandra Butler

The Journey Getting up at three in the morning was a bit easier with others who don't seem to think it's too unusual. We left in the bus (the new one) driven by Samuel, collected Jerry Merz (VSO volunteer), and were off. With not much to do in the dark, I dozed off.

Sunrise saw us about half an hour from Luangwa village on a narrow two-lane road carved into the hill-side, surrounded by mountains and trees, a captivating sight in the rising sun as it broke the horizon a deep red-pink. 

We arrived at Chipata at about eleven where we got a brief reprieve from sitting in the bus park before boarding another smaller bus to take us to Mzuzu, Malawi. There was a stop at the border to get our passports stamped and fill in security forms. We didn't arrive at our destination of Kaka Motel Mzuzu Malawi until about nine-thirty in the evening and we were greeted by the friendly, joyful Malawians in much the same encompassing manner as I was greeted on my first day in Ibex Hill, Zambia. A late dinner was followed by a much desired sleep.

Saturday, May 28th The meeting began when the Masters of Ceremony, Yoram Phiri and Grace Mtayamo introduced Mr Lewis Chinula for a prayer of thanks. Alumnus Watson Kamanga then thanked PestalozziWorld for the chances his education gave him, and discussed the Philosophy of Can and Can't. Belief is that if you say you can and try, you will succeed. If you admit defeat before setting out, you set yourself up for failure. This is actually something I have experienced, so I can relate. He closed by welcomeing participants to the reunion.

After a traditional dance prepared by the Malawi Alumni which turned into a five-minute party as the audience began to dance along to the music as well, Mr Ron Nkomba, Malawian Trustee, took the podium. To my surprise, he mentioned the continuity of support as demonstrated by my presence - a new generation of supporters for PestalozziWorld. He congratulated the Malawian alumni group on being consistent in their meetings to discuss problems and progess among themselves. They help promote Head, Heart, and Hands in younger generations and have been generous in helping each other with problems in business, education and jobs, some even sponsoring a few students to get an education.  Most have finished their education and are in work. Some are in college in pragmatic fields such as business, nursing and food science.

Simon Wakely, Executive Diretor based in London, gave an overview of PestalozziWorld, and closed by saying that the alumni always have PestalozziWorld behind them if they need support. Catherine Chinula, Malawian Co-ordinator, encouraged the 38 alumni attending to seek constructive personal development activities including volunteer work even if they're not sure where they're headed.

After a welcome tea break, where noisy chat showed how meaningful these reunions are to the alumni, Jerry Merz took the podium and spoke about taking the big step out of your comfort zone and going out into the world  with intent. He illustrated his point about how different paths can lead you where you need to go, and how important intention is, with an entertaining game involving alumni leading each other through a jumble of chairs.

Culture is usually celebrated at reunions in the form of traditional or contemporary dance and song. We enjoyed the Zambian alumni's show before heading off for lunch.

Malawian Alumna Rhoda Mphande then spoke about taking the big step and pushing themselves to do big things. Her point was illustrated by the alumnni's own success stories. First was Grace who runs the tuck shop on Ibex Hill campus. She described the daily running of the business, and how it has taught her responsiblity and accounting skills.

Mercy started a poultry business to help raise the funds she needs to finish her college course – computer science. During the 2009 Reunion in Lusaka, she was asked to go back to help. Last year she set set up business at Kasisi with the help Purity and Aunt Eva, rearing chickens. So far the business is going strongly and she hopes to go back to school. Precious Simalundu received a scolarship to study in India in 2004 and completed her IB in 2006, and was then accepted at college in Missouri, USA. After graduating in business finance, she worked in a hospital, museum and a bookshop for 10 months and before returning home. She is now considering an MBA.

On behalf of a local entrepreneur, Lewis Chinula described a successful fish farm developed in 20009. Fish is an important part of the Malawian diet but because of high demand, stocks are decreasing. Catfish are perfect to replenish those numbers because they grows faster than any other breed, survives better in all kinds of water, are resilient to diseases and can be reared in high density. The business is now prospering. Break-out groups provided smaller discussion forums on the inherent challenges in finding a job, starting a bussiness or joining a family business (capital, competition, gender bias, corruption, your own choices and you qualifications).

Oswald Sibande, a teacher, gave a rousing talk based on his opportunity to work with PestalozziWorld and to see young people “rise up” and find their own feet. He also advised accepting the challenge when things don't go the way you planned because it may turn into something positive, adding that volunteering is a good experience, a small step that builds to bigger steps. Closing addresses were followed by a gift exchange between the Malawian and Zambian alumni - a beautiful way to show the strong connection these alumni now share through the PestalozziWorld experience. Trustees' unfaltering support was also honored with gifts from the alunni. After closing remarks and prayer, the reunion meeting closed... in time for us to refresh and gather for the evening's disco! 

Sunday May 29th - We journeyed from the Motel to Sambani Lodge on Lake Malawi, where some of us immediately jumped down into the lake while others lay in the sun and talked. It was a lovely day, clear blue sky, sunny and warm and the water was warm inviting. Lunch was a choice of chips, nshima or rice, with chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by greens. It was a relaxing day of fun in the sun to finish off the reunion before another early start the next day for the journey back to Lusaka.

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