Support a school. Support Isale.

From Malawi:

Last September at our BIG (Build-Invest-Grow) Event, we talked about having more than one tool in the “caring for children” tool bag. We shared the story of Letness Swibota, a Malawian widow, struggling to care for her children. We mentioned the bittersweet day when Peter Maseko brought the first 100 children into Pothawira’s full-time care, but had little to offer many others who had to be turned away, and together, we looked at school as one way to support children who don’t need residential care, but do need real, immediate help.

Local pastors live in the community. They know the families. They know the children. After Peter identified the 100 most-needy children in the area, he did not forget the others that he would have taken if he could. He told them, “Stay in touch; maybe one day, I can help you in some way.”

When many of you gave so generously at The BIG Event last fall, we were able to increase the monthly support we provided to Pothawira’s school. With the enhanced operational support, Peter gave scholarships. Specifically, he reached out to thirty of the children he had to turn away on that first day. His message? “Come to school. We will cover your tuition, uniform, and books. All that is required of you is to show up every day and do your best.”

Primary 8 class in Pothawira, Malawi

The children and their families are thrilled. Some of them, like Isale (E-sal-ay), are making the most of the opportunity. Isale is a teenage boy in P8. His sleeply eyes mask a sincere resolve and winsome geniusness. Peter describes him as hungry, but he’s not talking about food; he’s talking about learning. While Isale’s home life totters, on the last round of exams, Isale was at the top of his class.

Peter says that the sky is the limit. “If anyone asks me if any of these children could make it in college,” Peter began, his voice rising with enthusiasm, “I would point to this boy. He can. He can make it!”

As I look at Isale, I think about you, back in the States, opening the door of opportunity for Isale and others to run through.