Mzimba District, Malawi … Not many people outside his home village have ever met him, and even fewer have talked to him. Only a small number know him by name. Yet people who do not know him, have never met him, and will never talk with him have changed his life. This change has taken place for 16-year-old Andrew Lwanja because of caring contributors, the workers at Mobility Ministries in Demotte, Indiana, the Malawi Project in Lebanon, Indiana, Action for Progress in Malawi, and government officials in the Malawi district of Mzimba have combined efforts to help vulnerable people in Malawi.
A major program of the Malawi Project is to supply learning and teaching materials to children in Malawi schools. Additionally, there is a very strong focus on helping children with mobility issues. This program creates smiles, offers hope, and gives promise to large numbers of children who previously had no hope for a future. It is not unusual for children with mobility issues to drop out of school. It is just too difficult to get around, and families cannot commit the time and resources to move a child from place to place all day, as they attend classes. For more than 85% of the Malawi population, the cost of purchasing a mobility device is simply out of the question. In short, they have little or no hope for relief.
The Mzimba District is about 183 miles or 300 kilometers north of the capital of Lilongwe, yet this 16-year-old from grade two was identified as one needing help. He was just one of five children, out of the 614 primary schools under the jurisdiction of this council, to be selected for assistance. The moment was so important Mr. Lydney Simwaka, the district commissioner, attended the event. He observed that with the mobility units, these young people will be able to attend classes, gain various skills and knowledge, and make a positive contribution to society. He applauded Action for Progress for its contribution to the future of those with mobility issues. Smiles filled the room as he spoke.
Coming from Madash village Andrew’s condition is believed to have been the result of polio. The help came non-too-soon. He had started school late because his parents faced the difficulty of finding a way to move him to and from school, and during the entire day, from class to class. The mobility unit will solve the problem and completely change his life. Now no matter the distance, and whether it is rain or shine, Andrew will be able to make his way to class, visit with his friends, and move about his home village with ease. His guardian, Mosted Lwanja, thanked Action for Progress for relieving the pain from this family; the pain of finding it so difficult to move about. Now, Andrew can smile, thanks to Action for Progress and the team that supports them.