First Impressions of Zomba, Malawi

My overwhelming initial sensation of Malawi is the ever-present smell of wood/charcoal burning. That seems to be the primary source of fuel for cooking in homes, restaurants, at the open-air market and even the Lodge where our group is staying.

Then I was struck by the awesome beauty of the landscape. What looks like a vast arid prairie land from the air, with occasional rivers running through, is contrasted by lush greenery and “flower trees” everywhere on the Lodge grounds all the way up the hazy hillsides.

It’s true what they say about the deep red soil – dustier than the hard red clay we know in Canada – more loamy – yet with the appearance of fertile soil with capacity for good crops.

Yesterday (September 16, 2010) was our first day out in the field. I have seldom experienced such a joyous welcome from strangers. Many in our group have been here before, so the persistent warm welcome characterized by fantastic “story singing” in unison were songs of gratitude for all the help this amazing Rotary group has provided in the past. In other years the group has built schools, latrines, provided supplies and support for health clinics but the gifts have reached far beyond the “bricks and mortar” of these buildings and support.

Songs of thanks filled the air to welcome Canadian friends who have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many families here in Zomba, in partnership with Dignitas International and Emmanuel International.

At the Kachere community centre, women who greeted us with wonderful song and dances, warm embraces, friendship, joy and tears are single mothers whose lives have been transformed. Support and opportunity have helped them form collaborative support groups so essential for them to provide better care for themselves and their children. They now have their own community centre (with latrines) where they provide collective care for their infants and preschoolers. They have planted a garden and trees.

At Namasalima Health Clinic, the women from our group had the privilege of visiting with Ruth, the nurse who is in charge of this particular HIV clinic for young women who are pregnant or have already had children. Ruth is an amazing woman who has established a wonderful rapport with those who come to this clinic. It is clear that she is seen as a trusted and knowledgable clinician who has their best interests at heart. This clinic is operated by Dignitas International to provide essential HIV testing, anti-retroviral treatment and follow-up monitoring for those who have tested positive for HIV. Babies born to these young women (mostly teens) are also tested for HIV at 6 weeks of age. One of the clinic’s many goals is to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. As community women have heard by word-of-mouth that the clinic is a safe and supportive environment to help them, the numbers of those attending have steadily increased.

At every location where Rotary has provided aid and support, there are friendly, warm faces with open arms and eyes filled with joy for the caring that they have experienced from their Canadian friends. Beautiful, beautiful children are everywhere, often with shy smiles staring in wonder at these white people who have suddenly appeared in their lives.

Submitted by Robbi (first time in Africa)