A Better Life for Street Children in Malawi
Donation protected
I am posting this campaign on behalf of the One Step Foundation (Malawi), a registered charitable organization that was founded by Moses Mwalabu, himself once a Lilongwe town street child.
One Step Foundation aims to systematically and sustainably eradicate the street-connected children scenario whereby young girls are exposed to sexual violence, infected with STIs, left for dead and with trauma for the rest of their lives; whereby boys and girls alike are beaten up, used by criminals, sleep in drainage systems, bath in unsanitary sites, are exposed to the chills of the winter nights with only drugs and alcohol to numb the feeling and have no hope for a better life. The organization strives to help children evade the grasp of poverty and provide a platform, in the form of clubs, through which help can get to them.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Moses Mwalabu, found himself on the streets of Lilongwe after the demise of his last surviving parent- his mother - in Dedza when he was only 9 years old. His relatives neglected him to the extent that he used to survive on roots until he thought that maybe life in the capital city, Lilongwe, would be bearable and full of opportunities. Like on a death wish, with no care for any possible danger, he set off on foot to Lilongwe, 75km away, one chilly night to look for piece works. A few days after arrival he was lucky enough to secure a roof over his head and some food as an unpaid house boy. This luck lasted for 15 months, but his employer did not want him to enrol for school, something that made him leave the house and go live in the streets. Against all odds, he endured, and with unwavering determination, schooled his way to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources where, in December 2019, he graduated with a Bachelor degree in Gender Studies.
As someone who was a beneficiary of the benevolence of various people along the way, Moses decided to assemble a team with which he would pay it forward to children who are as he was back in the days - a poverty-stricken vulnerable kid - just a victim of circumstances. That was the genesis of what is now called the One Step Foundation.
Our current Lilongwe clubs have more than 2200 children whose hope for a brighter future can be restored if they were able to attend school. School fees range from £1 to £20 per term and school uniforms range from £8 to £20. There is also a need for school materials like pens and note books, not forgetting nutritious meals and sanitary products.
It is for this reason that you are being implored to please donate whichever amount you can in general or get in contact with One Step Foundation to donate in kind or “adopt” a specific child or more and cater for the needs. This will make a huge difference in the children’s lives.
We have started this fundraiser in the hopes of being able to ensure that the children start the school year with fees, uniforms, school bags, rain coats, shoes, face masks and other sanitary products, note books, pens, and not forgetting nutritious meals that are to be served at the clubs whilst they work on their homework and get part time tutored. The clubs will also require text books.
Thanking you all in advance for your interest and donations, which will go a long way to securing a future for these vulnerable children whilst keeping them safe from the dangers that are rampant in the streets.
Your donation, however small, will make a huge difference in the lives of these children.
A donation of £5 would mean that school fees can be paid for 3 entry level primary school children.
A donation of £10 would mean a daily nutritious meal for 10 children attending the One Step Clubs
A donation of £25 would mean reusable masks for 50 children
A donation of £50 would mean a pack of 3 reusable sanitary pads for 25 girls
A donation of £100 would mean 300 tablet soaps. The same amount would also mean health passports for 375 children for when they fall sick.
A donation of £200 would mean 750 A4 note books. The same amount would also mean 1500 ball point pens or 40 school uniforms
Even if you are unable to donate, may we humbly ask that you share this campaign on your social media and other platforms. The more people we are able to reach with this campaign, the more likely the kids will get the bright future they deserve.
For more information about our work, please visit www.onestepfoundationmw.org
One Step Foundation aims to systematically and sustainably eradicate the street-connected children scenario whereby young girls are exposed to sexual violence, infected with STIs, left for dead and with trauma for the rest of their lives; whereby boys and girls alike are beaten up, used by criminals, sleep in drainage systems, bath in unsanitary sites, are exposed to the chills of the winter nights with only drugs and alcohol to numb the feeling and have no hope for a better life. The organization strives to help children evade the grasp of poverty and provide a platform, in the form of clubs, through which help can get to them.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Moses Mwalabu, found himself on the streets of Lilongwe after the demise of his last surviving parent- his mother - in Dedza when he was only 9 years old. His relatives neglected him to the extent that he used to survive on roots until he thought that maybe life in the capital city, Lilongwe, would be bearable and full of opportunities. Like on a death wish, with no care for any possible danger, he set off on foot to Lilongwe, 75km away, one chilly night to look for piece works. A few days after arrival he was lucky enough to secure a roof over his head and some food as an unpaid house boy. This luck lasted for 15 months, but his employer did not want him to enrol for school, something that made him leave the house and go live in the streets. Against all odds, he endured, and with unwavering determination, schooled his way to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources where, in December 2019, he graduated with a Bachelor degree in Gender Studies.
As someone who was a beneficiary of the benevolence of various people along the way, Moses decided to assemble a team with which he would pay it forward to children who are as he was back in the days - a poverty-stricken vulnerable kid - just a victim of circumstances. That was the genesis of what is now called the One Step Foundation.
Our current Lilongwe clubs have more than 2200 children whose hope for a brighter future can be restored if they were able to attend school. School fees range from £1 to £20 per term and school uniforms range from £8 to £20. There is also a need for school materials like pens and note books, not forgetting nutritious meals and sanitary products.
It is for this reason that you are being implored to please donate whichever amount you can in general or get in contact with One Step Foundation to donate in kind or “adopt” a specific child or more and cater for the needs. This will make a huge difference in the children’s lives.
We have started this fundraiser in the hopes of being able to ensure that the children start the school year with fees, uniforms, school bags, rain coats, shoes, face masks and other sanitary products, note books, pens, and not forgetting nutritious meals that are to be served at the clubs whilst they work on their homework and get part time tutored. The clubs will also require text books.
Thanking you all in advance for your interest and donations, which will go a long way to securing a future for these vulnerable children whilst keeping them safe from the dangers that are rampant in the streets.
Your donation, however small, will make a huge difference in the lives of these children.
A donation of £5 would mean that school fees can be paid for 3 entry level primary school children.
A donation of £10 would mean a daily nutritious meal for 10 children attending the One Step Clubs
A donation of £25 would mean reusable masks for 50 children
A donation of £50 would mean a pack of 3 reusable sanitary pads for 25 girls
A donation of £100 would mean 300 tablet soaps. The same amount would also mean health passports for 375 children for when they fall sick.
A donation of £200 would mean 750 A4 note books. The same amount would also mean 1500 ball point pens or 40 school uniforms
Even if you are unable to donate, may we humbly ask that you share this campaign on your social media and other platforms. The more people we are able to reach with this campaign, the more likely the kids will get the bright future they deserve.
For more information about our work, please visit www.onestepfoundationmw.org
Fundraising team (3)
Paula Gains
Organizer
England
Martin Nyirongo
Team member
Moses Mwalabu
Team member
