In Malawi, the Ekwendeni Hospital AIDS Program (EHAP) is doing more than just treating patients; it’s helping to change lives. With support from PWS&D, the program is working to improve the lives of those who need it most, particularly women and girls. Through the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Program, the hospital is helping children access education, health care and support.
One of those children was Debora Nguloube. This is her story.
“There are four of us in our family, and I am the youngest at 23,” shared Debora. Debora was raised by her grandparents when her mom left her at the age of four and her father passed away.
“When I was in primary school, we did not pay school fees. Therefore, it was free, and I found it easy to attend. However, after primary school, I was accepted into two secondary boarding schools, and I had to make a choice. I was excited, but I was also sad because I didn’t know where I would get the money for my school fees. I thought life ended here now. But then, Ekwendeni Hospital AIDS Program (EHAP) came in and helped me,” she excitedly shared.
“After secondary school, I enrolled in a public university, the Polytechnic University in Blantyre, to study banking and finance. The program’s support didn’t just end after I finished secondary school, but I was also supported in university with meals and accommodation. Your support was there for me. I really appreciate it and that’s why I’m here today,” she expressed with gratitude.
“I saw life becoming easier and I could envision a future for myself, not just for me, but also for my family and the community, because I would open doors, perhaps for others, I could motivate others by inspiring them to realize that, despite our current circumstances, we may be unable to do this on our own, but there are people willing to help us. I am being helped. They can also help you.”
“What I’ve learned is to be kind— to be kind not just to people so close to you, because you guys never knew about me. You never knew I existed, but you still had a heart to give.”
Debora hopes that girls in her community find her story inspiring and hopeful.
“You have done this for my family and done this for my community. People think that if you don’t have money, you can’t go to school, but now, when they look at me, they say, ‘No, I think we’re wrong about this.’ And me, being a girl, you’ve done a lot for the community because in my village, they [the girls] don’t really value school. As in, most of them haven’t gone so far with their education. But now, when they look at me, they get inspired. They say, ‘Ah, no, I think we should have gone back to school.’ And some are even going back to school. You’ve done a lot for me and for my family. I’m very grateful,” she reflected.
Debora’s story illustrates how support and opportunity can change lives. Thanks to the assistance she received, her achievements are creating a ripple effect, inspiring girls in her village to go back to school and keep dreaming big.
Help more children like Debora access education. Click below to donate today.
