Wafwase Sichali
Lilongwe, Malawi: A Community’s Journey to Empowerment
In the heart of Malawi, Action for Progress (AfP) has dedicated its efforts to assisting those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. From impoverished villages to those facing mobility challenges and medical requirements in the cities and trading centers, AfP’s commitment to providing support is unwavering.
One such individual is Wafwase Sichali, a resident of a small village in the Karonga District, central Malawi. Born in 1968, Sichali experienced mobility issues for the first eight years of his life. However, a bout of cerebral malaria severely affected his ability to move freely. Despite medical interventions, his leg remains paralyzed to this day.
Sichali’s reliance on a wheelchair, provided during his youth, eventually deteriorated, leaving him without one for the past two decades. The challenges he faces in navigating daily life, particularly when attempting to use public restrooms, are profound. Crawling on his hands and knees exacerbates his pain and hinders his ability to participate fully in social interactions. Sichali vividly describes the pervasive lack of accessibility in public infrastructure, which exacerbates his mobility issues.
Upon learning of the Jomo Road church in Mzuzu that had mobility units, Sichali sought their assistance. He was given a brand-new unit. He expressed his gratitude for the device, which provided him with improved mobility. Additionally, he received a Chichewa Bible, a gift that surpassed his expectations.
“I am now able to engage in my farming activities,” Sichali proudly declared. “As a rice farmer in Karonga, this mobility unit will facilitate my business endeavors. Furthermore, I believe that the Bible will be a valuable resource for my spiritual growth.”