Support my humanitarian trip to Malawi, Africa

Humanity Transcends Borders

Last year, I had the life-changing opportunity to travel to Malawi, Africa – and as many of you know, it left a deep imprint on my heart. The warmth of the people, the resilience of the children, and the dire need for support stayed with me long after I returned home. It's soul-crushing to see children with so much spirit and potential trapped by circumstances that could be vastly improved with simple interventions we take for granted. I knew I had to go back – it was just a matter of aligning myself with the right organization.

This year, I’m partnering with Kusewera, an incredible foundation that is truly transforming lives by empowering children through education, nutrition, clean water, medical care, creative programs (and so much more). Their work is giving kids a real chance at a future — and I’m honored to be part of that mission. I am leaving next Wednesday, June 25th, for two weeks.

As I return to Malawi, I’ll be traveling light for myself (small carry on) and using every bit of space I can — bringing at least two full suitcases packed with essential supplies for the children. From school materials to hygiene products, every item will directly impact a child in need (full list below).

A few soul-crushing facts:

Children die every day from preventable diseases and starvation

40% of children are stunted due to malnutrition

Lack of clean water and sanitation

Teenage pregnancy is rampant (babies having babies)

Average age in Malawi is 15

One of the highest orphan rates in the world.

Child labor, exploitation, trafficking, neglect, and physical and sexual abuse.

I’m raising funds to support my service trip to Malawi — including supplies, and donations to Kusewera. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make this possible. If you feel called to support, I would be so grateful.

Below is a list of some of the supplies they need (which I will be purchasing -- and cramming into my suitcases)

Items to collect for donations to Villages:

~soccer balls, volleyballs, rubber balls, footballs, basketballs (deflated for easier packing / saving space)

~Soccer nets, basketball nets

~ball pumps with extra needles (every year we need to take new ones)

~whistles

~pinnies, uniforms (whole team sets) (adult and youth sizes) OR if you are able to gather full team sets of jerseys for all ages.

~small toys ie. toy cars, rubber bouncy balls, etc. (great for the little ones) minimal stuffed animals

~feminine products

~arts and craft items (paper, construction paper, pens, markers, glue, scissors, paint, brushes, etc)

~small musical instruments (tambourines, egg shakers, harmonicas, etc)

~First Aid kits and items to add ie Neosporin, Children's Tylenol, Children's Cough Syrup, Alcohol swabs, gauze, Bandaids, wrapping bandages, etc.

~School supplies - pencils, pens, coloring pens, notebooks (non-spiral preferred), colorful pre-school aids

~books for library for all ages, and used for tutoring, school lessons, etc.

~shoes -flip flops or sneakers – no heels or super fancy, and all sizes from toddler to adult, and school shoes - black flats for girls or nice black school shoes for boys

~clothing – we generally say no clothing donations, but some needed items are black shorts for boys school uniform or bike shorts/shorts for girls to wear under their school uniform (not short), zip up sweaters and jackets.

~NEW socks and underwear.

Thank you! Every donation, no matter how small, will help a child.

I will be documenting my mission on my new IG account. @HumanityTranscendsBorders Please follow along so you can see first hand how your contribution is helping! https://www.instagram.com/humanitytranscendsborders/

*The videos and photos posted here are from a different school I visited last year.

-Diana