Mrs. Malunga is a dear woman. She never fails to greet with a hearty handshake that is pulled into a hug. Her eyes are aglow, ablaze, awake with joy. Her smile toothy, her face alive, her hair dignified, covered by a bright cloth.

She is a widow. She sighs and shakes her head the way that Malawians do, and says in broken English that it is better not to remarry, because it is too difficult to find a husband that will be kind. Her daughter is deceased, and she cares for her young grandson as well as her own aging mother. Her love does not stop at family.

The orphaned children of Kaumphawi village come to Mayi Malunga’s home each day, to learn basic education, social skills, and to receive meager amounts of food. Mayi Malunga has a wide-ruled, recycled paper notebook where with a precise hand she records the name of each child that she has cared for. There are over 200 names in her book.

One such name belongs to a two-year-old: Dickson. When his mother and father orphaned him, he was left alone in the world with nothing but the AIDS virus. He is cared for by a guardian, and comes to Mayi Malunga daily so his guardian can work to put food on the table. Of course, his caregiver is unable to afford medicine for his rashes and measles, let alone anti-retroviral drugs to slow his virus. Most children born with the virus only live to about three years old. Dickson’s family either could not afford the drug or it was not available to them, or both. We asked Mayi Malunga about Dickson in a recent letter, and though she responded, she made no mention of the boy.
What she did say, was this (excerpted from a letter, in her own words): Bambo and Mayi Pattison, You have asked me about the kind of assistance you might render to me and also my children I am taking care of [at] my centre. True, here in Malawi there are many challenges we are facing. Due to high rate of poverty and malnutrition, also the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has swept over our country taking many productive citizens, leaving behind helpless children. We are facing many challenges. But to be precise and be honest to you according to our Kaumphawi Center, many children they lack clothing, food and toys to play with.

As for me, you know that I am not employed neither do I want any business, I am a volunteer, and above that I am a widow. So to keep this center going I find many difficulties. I just do it because I made a vow to God that I will take care [of] these kids voluntarily either in riches or poverty. So Bambo and Mayi Pattison any form of assistance which you are willing to render to me and the children is welcome and God is going to bless you abundantly. I am in need of friends like you. I am praying for you day and night. And for this kind of consideration.
I want to thank you in advance and ask God to guide you in this noble course. I do not have any adjective word either in English or my mother tongue Chichewa to express my profound gratitude. I only pray to God who knew all about this or except by clapping my hands in a traditional way. Wishing you all the best in that country of milk and honey.

With Love, Mayi Efrida Malunga