Stories of the Kafwa

We flew from Malawi to Zambia and had lots of updates from the Kafwa when we met. They had a meeting a few weeks ago with over 40 of the orphans from the Chipulukusu school. The children shared their stories and the Kafwa said some of the stories were so sad they had tears in their eyes. It was obvious the meeting was painful for Kafwas as well. Some of the single orphans that live with their widowed mothers have good support. Some of the double orphans, however, are seen as burdens and treated unkindly and even abused. According to the Kafwa they are not always allowed to come to school because they are sent to fetch water, do chores, etc. Sometimes they are refused food and even beaten. So, so sad! The Kafwa did follow up visits to 18 homes hoping to gain guardian support for the Child Support Specialist program. When we told them Kelsey, one of the members of the January training team was hoping to return some day, they clapped and said, "Send her back, we need her."

We are leaving for the Congo today. Hopefully we will not have too many problems crossing the border. They always seem to find ways to make it difficult. We'll check back in with you when we have internet connection again.