Malata Family Minibus Dreams
Donation protected
I know I just begged for money a couple of months ago, and I want all of you to know how sincerely I appreciated your generosity. We raised over $1200 for James Malata and his young family (you can read my original -lengthy- post below if you somehow missed all my facebook updates).
Please don't think me unappreciative. My goal at that time was to make sure I could keep these kids fed and in a very modest home. I was in a state of sadness and panic. Of course, as time has passed, I have begun wondering how to help them in a way that is sustainable.
I realized that James has wanted to be minibus driver since I met him when he was thirteen. It is one of the most stable jobs in Malawi. Seriously, go there and try to find a way to and from anywhere. You need really strong legs, a private car, or a minibus to take you around the country. The minibus stations are flooded with people. Always.
So, you get where I'm going with this. I have done research, and James can own and operate a good condition minibus for about $3500 (or 1.7 million kwacha). If you wanted to donate the first time, and it just slipped off your radar, or if you donated previously and somehow have a lot more money than I do and would like to donate again, I will gladly accept anything. No amount is too small. Seriously.
If you get tired of seeing daily updates and reminders, I won't be offended if you block me on facebook for awhile.
Thanks!
Here's me with James in 2007.
I met young, orphaned brothers James and Kenneth Malata in Malawi, Africa in 2007. All three of the Malata children are just a few of the thousands of orphaned children in Malawi; most losing parents to Malaria, AIDS, or TB.
Thankfully, James and Kenneth had a slightly older sister Irene (standing in one of the photos with James in their home) who took them in once she married and had two children of her own. But Irene Chimtengo's husband died three years ago from AIDS. And, tragically, Irene just passed away on November 22, 2013 from the virus her husband passed to her.
Irene leaves behind her two teenaged brothers and two of her own children for them to care for. The Malata family has been the light of my life for the last six years. I love them like my own children, and they have lovingly referred to me as "Mum" for years...proudly telling people that they are not orphans, that their Mum is in America.
Right now I feel helpless because I have exhausted my financial resources over the last few weeks for Irene's medical treatment and paying the very meager home and food bills for the family while she has been ill. What I need is extra help to support this family financially. By American perspectives, one thousand dollars isn't much, but it will go so far in Malawi.
These boys have no where else to go, and sadly I don't have the resources to bring them to the U.S. or to support a family of four on my own. James and I are trying to pay off Irene's medical bills, the modest funeral expenses, and what is left will help them survive in one of the poorest countries in the world. Thanks so much for your consideration and help. -Jill
Me with James Malata and "Little" Jones Magalasi in June 2013.
Please don't think me unappreciative. My goal at that time was to make sure I could keep these kids fed and in a very modest home. I was in a state of sadness and panic. Of course, as time has passed, I have begun wondering how to help them in a way that is sustainable.
I realized that James has wanted to be minibus driver since I met him when he was thirteen. It is one of the most stable jobs in Malawi. Seriously, go there and try to find a way to and from anywhere. You need really strong legs, a private car, or a minibus to take you around the country. The minibus stations are flooded with people. Always.
So, you get where I'm going with this. I have done research, and James can own and operate a good condition minibus for about $3500 (or 1.7 million kwacha). If you wanted to donate the first time, and it just slipped off your radar, or if you donated previously and somehow have a lot more money than I do and would like to donate again, I will gladly accept anything. No amount is too small. Seriously.
If you get tired of seeing daily updates and reminders, I won't be offended if you block me on facebook for awhile.
Thanks!
Here's me with James in 2007.
I met young, orphaned brothers James and Kenneth Malata in Malawi, Africa in 2007. All three of the Malata children are just a few of the thousands of orphaned children in Malawi; most losing parents to Malaria, AIDS, or TB.
Thankfully, James and Kenneth had a slightly older sister Irene (standing in one of the photos with James in their home) who took them in once she married and had two children of her own. But Irene Chimtengo's husband died three years ago from AIDS. And, tragically, Irene just passed away on November 22, 2013 from the virus her husband passed to her.
Irene leaves behind her two teenaged brothers and two of her own children for them to care for. The Malata family has been the light of my life for the last six years. I love them like my own children, and they have lovingly referred to me as "Mum" for years...proudly telling people that they are not orphans, that their Mum is in America.
Right now I feel helpless because I have exhausted my financial resources over the last few weeks for Irene's medical treatment and paying the very meager home and food bills for the family while she has been ill. What I need is extra help to support this family financially. By American perspectives, one thousand dollars isn't much, but it will go so far in Malawi.
These boys have no where else to go, and sadly I don't have the resources to bring them to the U.S. or to support a family of four on my own. James and I are trying to pay off Irene's medical bills, the modest funeral expenses, and what is left will help them survive in one of the poorest countries in the world. Thanks so much for your consideration and help. -Jill
Me with James Malata and "Little" Jones Magalasi in June 2013.
Organizer
Jill Erwin
Organizer
Jeffersonville, IN
